Inmate captured after accidentally released from Henrico Jail East in New Kent

By Community Member | April 26, 2017 1:56 am

A New Kent man who was accidently released from Henrico Jail East was recaptured shortly afterwards.

Howard Allen Groffel, 51, was accidently released from the facility Tuesday night around 9 p.m. State and local authorities began the combing area, receiving information that he was spotted in the area of Route 33 and Angel View Lane. Authorities are not saying when or where the inmate was located and captured.

Groffel appeared in New Kent General District Court on several charges that include violating a protective order and obstruction of justice. He is being held on those charges pending an appeal hearing in New Kent Circuit Court.