FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA — Authorities claim they foiled an old businessman’s attempt to escape from a Florida prison and return to France, where he fled previously in order to avoid charges of child pornography.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers revealed Monday that a tip received from outside the prison sparked an investigation lasting two months into John Manchec (78) and those he had recruited to help him escape.
Sheriff Flowers explained that the plan is essentially this: “These people on the outside will wait until Manchec goes to the doctor and then they’ll take out our corrections personnel while he is at the medical facility.”
Flowers explained that the plan was for Manchec employees to pepper spray prison guards, and then take him to Fort Pierce to board his private aircraft so he could fly back to France.
Flowers stated that Manchec was a multimillionaire who holds dual citizenship in the United States and France.
Manchec, a French national, was arrested on 49 charges of child pornography in 2014. Flowers claimed he fled the country after posting a bond of nearly $500,000 and moved to the Chateau de Péchrigal, his medieval estate located in southern France.
He was arrested in the Dominican Republic and brought back to Florida by the sheriff in 2020.
Manchec asked for permission to leave prison in January. He claimed he had chronic medical conditions and that he broke both his wrist and hip late last year. The request was refused.
Flowers stated that the escape plot was centered around a medical appointment on April 12. At least one person involved in the escape plot tipped law enforcement off, allowing investigators unravel the plan.
The phone records of Manchec in jail revealed that he often used the code word “paintjob” when talking to his employees about the conspiracy.
Flowers stated that they were required to prepare the plane, his yacht (140 feet or 42 meters), a black utility vehicle, and other vehicles bought specifically for the escape attempt. Manchec paid bail for his cellmate and allowed him to live at his house. The sheriff stated that the person who helped prepare the escape packed a suitcase and brought his favorite liquor.
Flowers claimed that he planned to “return to his castle in France”, and never face charges.
Manchec is still in jail, facing additional charges relating to his escape. Two other inmates, as well as two employees, were arrested and charged for conspiracy in the escape plot. The lawyer listed in Manchec’s court documents did not immediately respond to an email asking for comment about the new charges.
Manchec’s arrest was first made in December 2014 following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into child pornography.
