JEFFERSON COUNTY — A man awaiting sentencing for the killing Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Riley in December 2021 reportedly attempted to escape from jail early Sunday morning.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, correctional officers discovered detainee Ray Tate had managed to get out of his cell Sunday morning and was attempting to escape the facility.

An online statement from the Jefferson County Jail says the facility was already on night shift lock-down status when Tate left his cell.

Deputies and officers from the Mt. Vernon Police Department were requested to set up an exterior perimeter of the Justice Center while a headcount and security check was conducted.

It was determined no other detainees were involved and all others were present and accounted for.

The initial investigation into the escape attempt shows Tate discovered a way to get out of his cell due to a flaw in the original construction of the Justice Center.

During his escape attempt, jail property was reportedly damaged at several locations.

None of the damage rendered the jail unsuitable to continue housing detainees and inmates, with the exception of Tate’s cell.

Repairs to all damaged areas are being coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office Maintenance Supervisor.

Further review showed the flaw that allowed Tate to escape his cell was limited to only three specialty cells.

The case will be reviewed by the Jefferson County and Wayne County State’s Attorneys for possible charges against Tate in connection with the alleged escape attempt.

Tate initially pleaded not guilty to the murder of Deputy Riley and a long string of other associated charges. However, he pleaded guilty to an amended charge of first-degree murder and was being held in Jefferson County while awaiting sentencing on April 22 in Wayne County Court.