A 19-year-old pregnant inmate accused of escaping from Strong Memorial Hospital in April during a medical checkup pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Aliyah Burden was arraigned on charges of reckless endangerment, fleeing police, petty larceny and 2 counts of escape.
She pleaded not guilty to all counts. Police say her escape prompted a search by at least 80 members of law enforcement.
According to Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, Burden was in a soft ankle restraint hooked to a bed, when she used a tactic to distract the deputy on duty.
”She asked the deputy to do her a favor and stay in the room. She asked her to turn around for a second. She was already out of her restraints and apparently she bolted as soon as the deputy turned her back,” said Baxter at the time of the incident.
She was apprehended a short time later outside of a parking garage.
"An indictment was returned with the charges with what the court read but at this point they are just allegations. That`s a long way from a conviction or any kind of resolution in this case," said Neil Gunther, Aliyah Burden's attorney.
"We are currently discussing plea deals right now, me and her attorney. So hopefully we`ll be able to come to resolution. If not, maybe proceed to a trial but at this point in time we are discussing a plea," said Assistant District Attorney Adam Vanheyst.
The Monroe County Sheriff`s Office launched an internal investigation following the escape. As a result, the sheriff`s office has updated it's security and protocol procedures.