NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall says the new downtown detention center is now "safe and secure" after guns and ammunition were planted inside the building.
Alex Friedmann is being held on a $2.5 million bond for allegedly planting multiple loaded guns, tools and ammo throughout the new downtown detention center. He could also face federal charges in the case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) sent an advance team of in February and a follow-up team last week to sweep the Davidson County downtown detention center with state-of-the-art equipment. This team included more than 30 of the nation's top law enforcement experts. They concluded their work last week.
"The actions of Alex Friedmann put the lives of our staff, inmates and community at risk," said Hall. "I will do everything possible to ensure this facility is a safe and secure place for both staff and inmates. The sophistication of the FBI's tools and the invaluable work performed by both them and the CBP cannot be overstated. We are grateful for these partnerships."
Officials with the FBI Memphis Field Office - Nashville Resident Agency coordinated the effort to bring the team of law enforcement professionals together.
"Personnel from the [FBI's] Laboratory Division and Hazardous Devices School participated in a detailed search of the new Davidson County Downtown Detention Center," said Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers, of the FBI's Memphis Field Office. "The FBI brought significant technology, expertise and other resources into the search to help ensure all possible safety threats present in the jail were detected."
Friedmann was arrested for Vandalism February 18 on top of his original charges in January.
Sheriff Hall said Friedmann stole keys to the new jail to plot a "massive, escape plan" and dressed up as a construction worker to hide weapons throughout the building over several months.
The case has delayed the opening of the new facility.
As the investigation continues, items recovered in the most recent search were turned over to the Metro Police Department.
Friedmann remains incarcerated on state charges and is being housed at the Tennessee Department of Correction.
