Released inmate turns himself in to authorities

A Geiger Corrections Center inmate mistakenly released a year early turned himself in to authorities Tuesday morning.

Charles J. Johnson, 40, told corrections officers that he knew he had a year left to serve, and “didn’t want to be on the run,” said Spokane County CEO Francine Boxer.

Johnson was released prematurely more than two weeks ago.

The mistake occurred when Johnson’s paperwork was incorrectly filed with that of inmates who were being released on July 11, 2004, rather than July 11, 2005, his correct release date.

Geiger Corrections Center has since updated its filing system to prevent future release errors.

Johnson was fined and given probation for beating his two sons in October.

But he later violated his probation by kicking in a girlfriend’s door, and he was subsequently sentenced to 16 months.

The mother of Johnson’s children, Tricia Trail, feared she and her kids might be hurt by Johnson after his early release.

She discovered he’d been let out early when he called her at home.

Trail’s phone number has since been disconnected.

It’s unclear whether Johnson will face additional charges related to his early release.

“I have mixed feelings about that,” Boxer said.

“Obviously he knew he wasn’t supposed to be out, but human nature is to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.”

Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Doug Grasso said he’s still researching the issue.

Johnson didn’t escape from Geiger, but he did leave before he should have, Grasso said, adding that charges will likely depend on what Johnson knew about his true release date and what corrections officers told him.

But he will be in jail for at least one more year.

“He will serve his full term,” Boxer said.