Inmate missing after work-release shift

Authorities were searching Monday for an inmate who failed to return to custody after a shift of work release.

Brian Knotts was incarcerated at the minimum-security unit at Brown Creek Correctional Institution in Polkton.

He was last seen working the third shift at Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant in Marshville Sunday night.

Knotts was serving a minimum sentence of 12 years and 3 months after being convicted as a habitual felon, habitual impaired driver and for driving with a revoked license. He was due for release in January 2011.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Brown Creek Correctional Institution at 704-694-7500.