Files of . . .
Dumas masterminded his release by obtaining the armband of an inmate similar to him in stature and build, who was due to be bonded out of jail that day. Dumas braided and beaded his hair to look like the inmate whose armband he wore (inmates' armbands have their pictures on them).
Dumas was housed in South County Jail, and convinced deputies there from his isolation cell that he was the other inmate, which is how he was able to be transferred to Central Book-In in Bartow to bond out. Before releasing Dumas, the Book-In Sergeant checked the photo on Dumas' armband, which looked convincingly like him, and asked Dumas identifying questions, such as Social Security Number and Next of Kin, that Dumas answered correctly (Dumas memorized personal information about the inmate he was impersonating).
Detention deputies realized the error when a relative of the inmate who should have been bonded out called the jail about an hour later and inquired as to his whereabouts. That inmate's name is not being released, due to the ongoing investigation into this matter.
Dumas has an extensive criminal history, and was most recently serving time for 15 offenses, including Aggravated Assault and Battery, Cocaine Possession, Armed Robbery, Armed Kidnapping, Armed Burglary of a Residence, Grand Theft of a Firearm, and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon. He is also facing charges by the U.S. Marshal Service. There is now a Polk County warrant for his arrest charging him with Escape and Conspiracy.
Dumas
is described as a black male, 5'10", 150 lbs. His last known address
was 2450 West Lime Street in Lakeland.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact PCSO at
1-800-226-0344. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for
a cash reward should contact Polk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!
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