A Dollar for My Thoughts- How was Charles Free caught?
A Dollar for My Thoughts wonders how Charles Free was caught.
“ABC News” did not address the most interesting question: How was Hazen/Free’s cover blown? The kvbc.com site briefly addresses this:
The newly formed DOC Cold Case Fugitive Unit in Florida connected the dots by comparing electronic databases to known fugitives. They tipped off local officers and Hazen was arrested again.
Oddly enough, for the last three years Hazen has been living just two doors down from a Clark County Marshall’s house.
That’s something, but I’d still like to know what in Hazen’s Free-era info tipped off authorities to his real identity.
I’d say the construction angle was part of it.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Jack Hazen was assigned to the carpentry shop at the Reception and Medical Center.
source
Possibly medical records played a part (based on his recent medical issues and possible records from his US Army days).
The Cold Case Fugitive Unit appears to be using data mining as part of their technique, IMO. “connected the dots by comparing electronic databases to known fugitives”, though they apparently may have gotten a tip in this case as well-
“A tip led Florida cold case detectives to believe he was living here in Las Vegas” source
Not entirely satisfactory answers and guesses above, but I suspect that’s the best we’ll ever get based on the quote below:
Searching the Internet, and governmental and Law-enforcement databases, investigators from the Cold Case Fugitive Unit developed leads and contacts, and then they took on the painstaking task of comparing, state by state, law enforcement numbers against state and local files. Finally- though agents from Florida won’t say precisely how, because “to do so might jeopardize future investigations of other such cold-case fugitives,” says Hall-they obtained the key intelligence regarding Hazen’s whereabouts, and tipped off Las Vegas law enforcement.
Random thoughts on the case-
I’m guessing a modern day fugitive would have a considerably tougher time getting a new SSN and identity based on a student ID card now than in the 70s.
Medical expenses for him while serving out 6 year prison term are predicted to be $1/2 a million. I guess the state of Florida may actually be willing to pay that just to see a guy die in jail for stealing some food and cigarettes back in ‘75, though.
So, do I get a dollar for my thoughts??
Tags: Charles Free, cold case, criminal justice system, data mining, datamining, Florida, Las Vegas
March 9, 2008 at 2:23 pm
It’s odd that no one will explain how Free was found. It’s also strange that tax money is going to searching for someone like Free vs. those people who have committed serious and dangerous crimes. Was it just easier to locate Free instead of focusing on unsolved murders?
Florida’s Gov. Crist recently imposed budget cuts for the state that have led to reduced numbers of accepted college applications (FSU) and less funding for fire fighters and libraries. If budget concerns are so great to cut these necessary resources, then I can’t imagine how the Florida government can justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to incarcerate an old, sick man just on principle.
March 10, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I agree with Megan when says that is strange that tax money is going to search for someone like Free, instead of focusing in serious and dangerous crimes.
Mr. Free reminds me exactly the main character in the classic bestseller LOS MISERABLES, written by Victor Hugo, translated in more than 50 languages.
What the people involved with laws, rules and punishment should do is analyze why many of the people that come from wars and other difficult situations where they expose their lives for their countries, should get to this point. And it is true, living 31 years with this guilt and not being able to tell his family, was enough for him. Leave Mr. Free free.
March 11, 2008 at 3:13 am
I think judges may properly take mitigating circumstances into account, but the principle that (genuine) criminality should be punished is not one I would be quick to shelve. It’s not any prosecutor’s fault that Hazen was sick and elderly by the time they caught up with him. It’s his fault for not turning himself in many years ago, and for escaping to begin with. Moreover, armed robbery is indeed a “serious and dangerous” crime. He didn’t grab a piece of fruit from a corner stand.
Megan further obfuscates the issue by declaring that government spending on education and libraries is “necessary.” I don’t agree, but what should be done in this case does not depend on what’s going on lately with budget debates. It depends on the facts of Hazen’s case and whether the proper function of government includes catching, prosecuting and imprisoning escaped convicts.
March 11, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Please visit http://www.FREECHARLESFREE.com and post your support for Charles Free AKA Jack Hazen. Thank you
April 14, 2008 at 1:13 am
govenor crist,
we all know he got away with escape.But the circumstances here deserve a closer look.The fact that this guy had enough respect for society to go ahead and be a productive member of said society,even though that if found out,he would most certainly be sent back.I have to beleive that this guy found some kind of faith,a release from the feeling of impending doom that haunts many ex-convicts.
I implore you to release this guy from custody,hit him in the pocketbook,where it will all do us some good. It’s obvious this guy has more money than time.
Thank you for your time,
Everett L. Lee doc#417365