NASHVILLE, Tennessee — A longtime Nashville criminal justice advocate, who was arrested last month for breaking into the Downtown Detention Center, was arrested again Wednesday night.
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office said Alex Friedmann, 50, was charged with a felony vandalism charge and is being held on a $2.5 million bond.
Sheriff Daron Hall in his press conference Wednesday alleged that Friedmann had a serious "deliberate and evil plan" during his entry into the new Davidson County Corrections facility downtown.
The Sheriff alleged that Friedmann's plan included planting tools, weapons and security equipment throughout the facility, allegedly part of a massive escape plan.
The Sheriff said that loss of life was also part of his plan.
Friedmann allegedly planted loaded guns, with additional ammunition, inside the prison. Staffers inside the jail are unarmed.
Friedmann was free on bond after he was accused of entering the DDC on four other occasions, since Dec. 26, 2019. He was seen on surveillance video dressed like a construction worker in a yellow vest and dust mask on Dec. 30.
Friedmann's lawyer issued the following statement to WSMV:
"I have been representing Alex Friedmann since his arrest for attempted burglary in January. It is important to clarify that the new vandalism charge stems from alleged conduct arising last year, and not any recent actions occurring after his previous arrest. Mr. Friedmann surrendered himself immediately after being advised of the new charge last night. The keys were returned to the Sheriff’s Office several weeks ago through counsel. I am currently unable to comment on any of the factual allegations. Mr. Friedmann is presumed innocent and will respond through the appropriate legal processes."
Metro Police posted a tweet that they are looking for three additional suspects. They are asking anyone with information to call MNPD at (615) 742-7463.
