http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0428PrisonWear28-ON.html

'Prisoner' attire gets former inmate in trouble again

Associated Press Apr. 28, 2006 08:10 AM

REDLANDS, Calif. - A fashion crime sent Joseph Azter back to prison. Azter, 39, took his prison-issued windbreaker with him when he was released from the California Institution for Men in Chino after serving time for theft, authorities said. Bright yellow lettering on the back of the jacket spelled out "CDC prisoner."

On Tuesday, as Azter stood on a street corner in Redlands, several alarmed residents called authorities to report an escaped inmate, said police spokesman Carl Baker. Azter told a responding officer that prison officials had given him the jacket, Baker said.

Prison officials, however, said the jacket was state property and that Azter was required to turn it in upon his release.

Police arrested Azter for investigation of possessing stolen property and parole violations.

Baker said Azter had a can of Mace, which is prohibited for convicted felons, and had not checked in as required with his parole officer within 24 hours of his release.

"It sounds like he just started off all the way wrong," said San Bernardino parole Officer John Snedden. "Best you can do is just take him back and start him all over again."