NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Three additional suspects in a plot to plant weapons in the new Davidson County Jail have been found.
This story shocked the city when it broke earlier this year – with authorities calling it an act of "domestic terrorism." Now, there are several new developments in this bizarre case.
The prime suspect and ringleader, Alex Friedmann, is already in custody. And, now his three alleged accomplices are turning on him.
Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall said it was an outlandish plot orchestrated by former criminal justice reform advocate Alex Friedmann.
"I have never heard of an individual planting weapons inside an institution,” he said.
Investigators say Friedmann – posing as a construction worker – sneaked into the jail and hid handguns, ammunition, handcuff keys, razor blades and more. He was caught only when an alert jail employee noticed control room keys missing from a key ring, and police say a check of security video caught Friedmann in the act.
Friedmann did have help. Since the case broke in January, police have looked for three accused accomplices, and now they've been found.
"The people that we released the pictures of back early on have been talked to and more or less were lookouts," said Hall.
He did not elaborate more on the role they played, but the three have not been charged with any crimes.
"I don't think you will see that. They were helpful, but they weren't involved, let’s put it that way,” he said.
At this point, they are cooperating and could help in the prosecution of Friedmann. It's not clear what they've told investigators.
Sheriff Hall always believed Friedmann planned an escape from the new jail using the planted weapons. And now this: remember, authorities also found more guns stashed at one of Friedmann's condos. Hall believes those weapons would have been used to arm help on the outside.
"On the day of reckoning or whatever was going to happen, I believe there were going to be people on the outside to assist those on the inside,” he said.
It would have been a violent attack and by surprise. The sheriff said it's scary to think what might have happened. But Friedmann was caught, and now the case against him is building. He is now held on a $3.5 million bond awaiting trial on both state and federal felony charges.
Previous stories:
Sheriff: Criminal justice advocate planted guns, ammunition in detention center
Davidson County sheriff says detention center 'safe and secure' after break-in
