news-record.com

Omar Syed Muhammed will have to dig deeper into his pockets now if he wants to get out of jail — legally.

Muhammed, 21, of Greensboro, returned to the Guilford County Detention Center on Monday under a $106,300 secured bond after escaping last week.

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office added $100,000 to Muhammed's previous bond along with charges of obstructing justice, misdemeanor escape from a local jail and probation violations.

Sheriff's officials said procedures in place to prevent this were not followed.

"This was a mistake that should not have been made, but the positive part of this mistake is that it shows what great working relationships in law enforcement can do when the need arises," Sheriff BJ Barnes said in a written statement.

Jailers mistakenly let Muhammed go on Thursday after he forged the signature of another inmate, Ahmed B. Muhamed, who was scheduled for release, according to arrest warrants.

Muhammed, who also goes by Muhammad, was originally supposed to be held on a $6,300 bond for charges of underage possession of alcohol, failure to appear, possession of a stolen vehicle and not paying child support.

Deputies searched the state for Muhammed, who they said is dangerous and a member of the SMM Bloods gang. They canvassed neighborhoods, passed out posters, offered a $500 reward and worked with police in Lee, Sampson and New Hanover counties.

Investigation in the Sanford and Clinton areas led authorities to a home at 65 Lindsey Lane in Salemburg, where Muhammed was found, according to the sheriff's office. When authorities arrived at the home, Muhammed admitted his identity and turned himself over to police.

"He knew that we were after him because we called several of his family members," said Col. Randy Powers, of the sheriff's office.

Powers said officials are meeting today to determine if anyone else might be charged in connection with the escape.

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or mjosey@news-record.com