(November 2, 2009)

KINGSVILLE--The 18-year-old teenager who escaped from Kleberg County authorities a few weeks back has learned his punishment. Ten years in prison plus 20 years for an aggravated robbery and burglary case from earlier this year. Authorities suspected he got help in his escape.

Rafael Ortega walked out of the Kleberg County Courthouse under heavy security and facing ten years in prison for jail escape from two weeks ago.

"I told him hey you ain't got no fight, plead guilty, give in accept responsibility," said Eddie Ortega, Ortega's father. 

Court records show Ortega escaped from a transport van last month. It said he was given a key, which was hidden in his shoes, by somebody  to unlock his shackles and escape from the van. The key was later found inside his boxer's when he was captured a day later.  

The prosecutor says he has given statement to testify against anybody who helped him.

"He did give a statement to the officers as well as the escape he was trying to offer information so that case is still under investigation," said Aida Trevino, who is a prosecutor for the Kleberg County District Attorney's Office. "We're going to see how many other co-defendants are going to come out of that case as well."

The documents also said his wife knew about his escape and was suppose to pick him up near the courthouse, but she didn't show up on the day of the escape. We asked his Ortega's family about that.

"I'm not sure," said Ortega. "I haven't spoken with her and I haven't seen her. I'm not aware of anything going on with her."

The investigation is still ongoing. Other family members are being interviewed as well as Kleberg County jailers. Prosecutors expect more people will be arrested soon.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com