In the third installment of a four-part series, the hunt is on to apprehend the individual who managed to gain access to a jail that was still under construction in Nashville. The plan to capture the individual known as Einstein quickly unraveled. Despite instructions to keep him out of the new, yet-to-be-opened $200 million jail facility, Einstein casually walked into the lobby at 1:07 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2020.
Security supervisor Cory Witkus immediately recognized the masked man from surveillance footage shown during a secret meeting. Following the discovery of missing keys on Dec. 30 by Lt. Thomas Conrad, the Davidson County Sheriff’s team had painstakingly reviewed extensive security camera footage, resulting in images of the masked intruder. However, his identity, motive, and intentions remained unknown, as did the existence of his cache of weapons.
Known as “Einstein” within prison circles years ago, the now 50-year-old individual held a reputable standing in Nashville and beyond. Sporting the email address Stein919@gmail.com for years, Einstein’s presence raised suspicion and concern upon his unannounced arrival at the new jail.
Engaging Einstein in conversation, Witkus attempted to maintain composure as he questioned the intruder’s purpose. Despite the tense situation, Witkus opted to handle the encounter solo, leading Einstein further into the building in an unorthodox decision to prevent potential escape.
As Witkus guided Einstein deeper inside, deviating from the initial plan to detain him at the entrance, the situation took an unforeseen turn. Progressing past the lobby, Witkus directed Einstein towards the building’s lower levels, ultimately leading him to a restricted area in the parking garage. With no witnesses to the unfolding events, Witkus ensured Einstein’s confinement within a secure room, effectively trapping him.
The narrative of chasing Einstein unfolds over seven months of investigative reporting and extensive analysis of public records, culminating in a detailed account of the events surrounding the ingenious capture. In a bid to shed light on Einstein’s motives and actions, The Tennessean conducted numerous interviews with individuals linked to the case, as well as correspondence with the subject himself, who declined to provide an on-the-record statement.
With Einstein securely confined within the restricted area, Witkus issued instructions via radio to maintain a safe distance as the guards prepared to make their move.
Friedmann, who had been working closely with the sheriff for years on the jail contract, found himself in a tricky situation when he accidentally got locked inside the jail. Not wanting to cause any confusion or trouble, he chewed and swallowed what investigators believed to be a map of the jail’s interior. As he knocked on the door and tried to communicate with the guards outside, he made a bold move by sliding a note under the door that revealed a specific detail about his medical condition. This raised questions about his true identity, and it was eventually uncovered that he was none other than Alex Friedmann, a well-known figure who had a colorful past involving a gun fight in Nashville and theft incidents. Despite being free from prison for two decades, Friedmann’s actions landed him in trouble once again as he was charged with burglary and other offenses. His wife, Alice, stood by him and wrote a letter detailing his advocacy for human rights and his efforts to support those in need. Friedmann’s complex history and unexpected arrest shed light on the intricacies of his character and past experiences.
“Edification and leadership as a citizen activist on behalf of the people of Tennessee.” Personally, he is the most thoughtful individual I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, always embracing my idiosyncrasies with gentle acceptance. He consistently devises innovative ways to enhance our lives. One memorable evening, faced with closed restaurants on a special occasion, he ingeniously transformed a Sonic into a romantic setting. Gathering a dark red tablecloth, wine glasses, and candles, we indulged in a moonlight picnic that remains etched in our memories.
Despite his initial hesitance towards pets, his heart melted when I brought home a puppy named Rusty from the pound. Witnessing their instant bond as they played ball and peek-a-boo together was truly heartwarming.
With warmth and humility, Alice N. Friedmann signed off her letter, painting a picture of Alex Friedmann as a romantic and caring individual. However, the narrative takes a sharp turn when we delve into the legalities surrounding him. Facing a bail amount of $32,500, Friedmann entrusted his case to Grumpy’s Bail Bonds, owned by former Miss Tennessee Leah Hulan, also known as “The Bond Girl.”
Spending hours in jail before being bonded out, Friedmann found himself embroiled in a peculiar situation involving missing keys labeled ‘K’ for kitchen and ‘GM’ for general movement. Sheriff Daron Hall speculated that Friedmann may have mistaken the ‘GM’ key for the elusive “Grand Master” key capable of unlocking all doors within the jail.
Chief of Security, Thomas Conrad, testified about the missing keys during Friedmann’s trial, shedding light on the mysterious circumstances. Hall’s belief that Friedmann returned with bolt cutters to retrieve the Grand Master key added intrigue to the unfolding events.
Following Friedmann’s release, Hall grappled with the dilemma of a convicted felon potentially possessing keys that could compromise jail security. With caution, Hall emphasized the importance of verifying safety before opening any doors.
Initially regarded as a mere thief of keys, Friedmann’s actions took a darker turn. Unbeknownst to the sheriff, Friedmann had been involved in clandestine activities within the jail, raising concerns about the extent of his schemes.
The narrative unravels the enigmatic persona of Friedmann, entwining tales of romantic gestures and puppy love with the stark reality of legal entanglements and potential security breaches within the justice system. As the story unfolds, the line between perception and reality blurs, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and unforeseen consequences.
