Arkansas prison employees fired after ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ escape

Two Arkansas prison employees were fired for policy violations that enabled the May 25 escape of inmate Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” from Calico Rock prison. Hardin, serving sentences for murder and rape, disguised himself in a homemade law enforcement uniform and walked through a gate an employee opened without verifying his identity. Lawmakers said the incident reveals deeper systemic problems, such as lax supervision that let Hardin make the disguise unnoticed. He was recaptured on June 6 and moved to a maximum‑security facility, the Associated Press has reported. Officials are conducting a review that may lead to further disciplinary actions and policy changes.