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Nursing Assistant Reportedly Helps UPMC McKeesport Escapee

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Michele Sims, nursing assistant at UPMC McKeesport, had access to Alexander Erb when he was brought there in police custody after police say he ingested 20 bags of heroin, according to the criminal complaint. He was arrested in Glassport three weeks ago.

But at one point, Erb was able to remove his leg shackle at 1 a.m. on October 12th without his guarding deputy's knowledge, and escaped by foot.

Eventually, Erb was found on Upston Street in Port Vue. Among the items found with him: a small, black handcuff key found in his pants.

Investigators say Erb told them Michele Sims slipped it to him in tissue between two candy boxes at the hospital. Sims denied involvement in the escape, but admitted to passing him candy. He also told police she is the step-mother of his cousins.

The escape of an inmate from a hospital in a drug case is one thing. Just yesterday, Erb pleaded guilty to attempted homicide, aggravated assault and weapons charges in a separate case. His lawyer says drugs are at the root of most of Erb's problems

"Yeah, it was," said defense attorney Pat Thomassey, "and that has a lot to do with the recent situation with the hospital and escaping from the hospital so we're goi g to try to shift through all this stuff in the next month or two."

In the meantime, both Erb and Sims have preliminary hearings scheduled for the escape case.

Sims, the nursing assistant, faces charges including felony escape.

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