Prison: Sarah Boone altered clothes with staples

ORLANDO, Fla. (Court TV) – Days after she first appeared at a hearing without inhibitions, Sarah Boone is accused of hiding staples in her clothing.

Boone is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., who died after being stuffed into a suitcase during a night of drinking. Boone, who faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder, is representing herself after a judge ruled she had forfeited her right to an attorney.

Inmate conduct records at the Orange County Jail reviewed by Court TV show that on August 14, the last time Boone appeared in court, “it was discovered… that Boone had altered her county-issued blue uniform with staples. [along] the seam of her pant legs.” The notes state that Boone was told the clothing was contraband and was issued new pants after she was “counseled regarding this misconduct.”

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On August 14, Boone appeared in court for the first time with her hands uncuffed. Judge Michael Kraynick had previously granted Boone's request not to wear handcuffs in the courtroom so she could better take notes. Prison officials said Boone will wear ankle shackles during the hearings.

Staples are also mentioned in notes dated August 17, after Boone had “an interview with a professional visitor.” Prison officials found staples and paper clips in the mail. Officials said of the incident: “During the search, inmate Boone became belligerent and asked staff why [her] Property was searched. I explained to inmate Boone that she could be searched at any time, the inmate did not respond.”

Prison records also indicate that Boone frequently used a laptop and USB drive while preparing for her upcoming trial. Prison staff noted Boone's ongoing displeasure at not having internet access, as well as problems with keeping the laptop sufficiently charged.

Boone has struggled to represent herself since the judge ordered her to represent herself after eight attorneys withdrew their case. Her trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 7.