A spokesperson for the Santa Cruz Jail has confirmed that an inmate has been mistakenly released.  Authorities say the mix-up occurred when the man in question posed as another inmate who had a similar height, weight, build and name.    An investigation team is currently looking into why the man's identity was not properly verified prior to letting the man go.

Defendant Jesse Parsons was reportedly last seen walking out of the jail and toward the San Lorenzo River.  The last visual contact of Parsons came just before noon on Monday.  At the time he was set free he was seen wearing black shoes, jeans and a red plaid shirt.  Authorities are asking anyone with information as to his whereabouts to please come forward.

Parsons was booked into the Santa Cruz Jail last week for a series of outstanding warrants.  Jail officials have not specifically indicated what those warrants were for.   They have, though, confirmed that the defendant has a vast criminal history in the local area.  He has previously been charged with domestic violence, substance abuse, trespassing, resisting arrest and petty theft.  They have not indicated how many prior convictions he's had or how much time he has spent behind bars for those crimes.

The Santa Cruz Jail is located on Water Street and serves as the lone booking facility for the county.  It has an average daily capacity of about 400 male detainees.