Did an escaped Monterey County inmate create the hole in the ceiling? Defense says no proof

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) One of two inmates who escaped from the Monterey County Jail last month had a preliminary hearing Friday.

Santos Fonseca is facing either one of two charges, escape or escape by force, in addition to two murder charges.

A Monterey County Sheriff's Sergeant testified in court that Fonseca said in an interview after he was detained that he used a cleaning brush to punch a hole in the stucco and sheet rock ceiling, but the defense argues there is no proof that Fonseca created the hole.

According to deputies with the Sheriff's Office, cameras did not show the area where the escape happened. The deputy who checked on the inmates the morning of the escape also testified that he was not aware of the hole.

If convicted of escape by force, Fonseca would have to serve two to six years in prison on top of any potential time in prison for murder. If he was only found guilty of escape, the sentence would run concurrently with potential sentencing for murder.

County maintenance said there was $1,250 in damages from the escape.

Fonseca's next court date is set for Dec. 20.