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Posted: June 21, 2012

Escaped federal prison inmate found in Durham County

Inmate escapes from Butner federal prison camp

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Butner, N.C. — An inmate who escaped Monday from a Butner federal prison was found Thursday evening in Durham County, authorities said.

Ernest Thomas, 60, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Old Oxford Road around 7 p.m. They found him sitting on the back porch of a vacant home, authorities said.

He was dehydrated, but otherwise seemed fine, authorities said.

Thomas walked away from a satellite camp at the Butner Federal Correctional Complex on Monday. The U.S. Marshals returned him Thursday evening to the prison complex, where he was being medically evaluated.

Thomas was serving a 27-year sentence for cocaine distribution.

It wasn't clear whether his sentence would be affected by the escape.

Web Editor: Bridget Whelan

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10 Comments

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Latest Comments

just one? after working in durham a few years -- lotta felons there.

bombayrunner
June 22, 2012 12:51 p.m.

""That's a long walk from Butner.""

Actually, it's not really far at all to the county line. I'm wondering if this fella may have dementia? Doesnt seem like he's in very much trouble. So maybe there were some pre-known issues going on with him.

Con Amor brings luv and laughter
June 22, 2012 12:02 p.m.

He came home....how nice...!!!

SmokeWagon
June 22, 2012 12:01 p.m.

Rabbitdog, I have learned that there is no rhyme or reason to what is acceptable to the moderators. As for your reference to your earlier comment, I bet I have an idea of what you mean, and you were right.

RNmomX4
June 22, 2012 11:16 a.m.

He was housed at the camp, which is for prisoners nearing the end of their sentence and have had no infractions. The camp does NOT have a fence, so it's very easy to "walk away."