Artesia, NM – Today, after an extensive and tireless investigation, New Mexico State Police agents found and arrested the man responsible for recovering and driving escaped fugitives Joseph Cruz and Lionel Clah away from the prison van in which they escaped. Jesus S. Quintana (46) of Lake Arthur, New Mexico (pictured below), was arrested on charges of Assisting Escape (two counts) and Furnishing Articles for a Prisoner’s Escape (two counts).
This arrest came after comprehensive investigation, interviews, and inquiries conducted by State Police agents around the state. Yesterday, agents re-interviewed Lionel Clah at the Level VI Corrections Facility in Santa Fe. Mr. Clah expressed the desire to be more forthcoming about his and Joseph Cruz’s escape.
Mr. Clah stated when he and Mr. Cruz exited the corrections van in Artesia, NM, there was a Hispanic male driving a white Ford Mustang who picked up the fugitives in his car and drove them to his residence. While they were driving, the man had beer in his vehicle which the fugitives drank. Mr. Clah described the man and his residence. While they were at his residence, the man assisted the two fugitives in cutting off their handcuffs and shackles and provided them with clothing. The Hispanic male then transported Mr. Clah and Mr. Cruz to Albuquerque.
Today, State Police agents located a man, later identified as Jesus S. Quintana, in Artesia, NM matching the description given by Mr. Clah. Mr. Quintana was transported for questioning. A white Ford Mustang located at his residence was secured and towed for processing to the New Mexico State Police Office in Roswell, New Mexico.
Mr. Quintana agreed to an interview and told State Police agents that on the night of Wednesday, March 9, 2016, he was fueling his vehicle at the Allsups gas station in Artesia when he observed the two escapees exit the prison transport van and run to the back of the Allsups. Mr. Quintana said he needed money because he was out of work so he drove to the two escapees and said if they gave him money, he would help them. Mr. Quintana said the two agreed to pay him money if he agreed to help them and drive them to Albuquerque.
Mr. Quintana said he drove the two fugitives to his residence where he assisted the fugitives in removing their shackles and he provided clothing to them. Mr. Quintana subsequently stated he provided his cell phone to the fugitives enabling them to make phone calls. He then drove the fugitives to a hotel in Albuquerque where Mr. Cruz and Mr. Clah instructed Mr. Quintana to drive them.
Mr. Quintana disclosed he knew Mr. Cruz and Mr. Clah had escaped from custody but needed money, which is why he assisted them in escaping. Because of his involvement, Mr. Quintana is charged with the aforementioned crimes. Mr. Quintana was booked into the Eddy County Detention Center in Carlsbad, NM.
