Man mistakenly free from KC jail

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jail officials mistakenly released a man charged with 10 counts of first-degree robbery and 10 counts of armed criminal action. Robert L. Williams, 20, was supposed to be in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $250,000. But he was released Tuesday after a judge ordered the release of another Robert Williams, 35, who was charged with drug possession, jail officials said.

Both inmates were released.

Kansas City police were still searching for Williams on Saturday.

Jail director Graham Morris attributed the mistake to "a combination of errors and failure to follow correct procedure." He said the jail is taking steps to avoid making the same error, adding "appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken."

Williams previously had been convicted of two counts of tampering and unlawful use of a weapon. He was released from prison Jan. 17.

Court records allege that Williams committed 10 armed robberies in Kansas City between June 24 and July 28. Police said Williams and an unknown partner held up convenience stores and other businesses.