CASTAIC : 2 Accused of Pulling Off Swap of Term in Jail
- Share via
Wilfred Bernard Genus was supposed to go to jail, but he only wanted to visit. Now he’s back to stay.
Genus and Albert Flowers, a homeless Los Angeles man, were arraigned Wednesday for an alleged conspiracy in which Flowers served part of Genus’ 15-day jail sentence at the Pitchess Honor Rancho in Castaic last week.
Genus, of Los Angeles, was supposed to have turned himself in Jan. 13 for a conviction of concealing a firearm, but instead persuaded Flowers, 32, to take his place, authorities said. They did not know why Flowers agreed to do so.
The scheme was uncovered when Genus, 20, was arrested Sunday for possessing cocaine while trying to visit the same jail. Genus now faces an additional year in custody on top of the original 15-day sentence, and Flowers could spend up to a year in jail if convicted of impersonating a convict.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.