Officials discover 'escape hatch' at Oklahoma halfway house

In this photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, a false wall with an "escape hatch" inside the Center Point halfway house in Oklahoma City, that holds prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentences, is pictured Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. The department says inmates would check in with security then sneak out through the hatch. (Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, cellphones and electronic devices confiscated from the Center Point halfway house are pictured in Oklahoma City. Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Officials seized 18 cellphones, 87 phone chargers, 39 syringes, marijuana and methamphetamine. (Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP) (The Associated Press)

Oklahoma prison officials say officers discovered a false wall with an "escape hatch" inside a halfway house that holds prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentences.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said Friday that officers found the false wall while searching for contraband at the Center Point halfway house in Oklahoma City. Officials say inmates removed drywall to create a pathway outdoors then concealed it with a false wall. The department says inmates would check in with security then sneak out through the hatch.

Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh says the department will investigate security measures at the halfway house and says some inmates may see their sentences lengthened because of the escapes.

Officials also seized 18 cellphones, 87 phone chargers, 39 syringes, marijuana and methamphetamine.