WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Another state inmate escapes Morgan County work release
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By Bobby Shuttleworth - bio | email
Posted by Dana Franks - email
DECATUR, AL (WAFF) - A work release inmate is back in custody after an early morning escape attempt Tuesday.
According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, Josh Hamer was picked up in Ardmore, TN and is now in the custody of the Giles County sheriff. He escaped from the Decatur Work Release Facility on Highway 20.
That facility is close to several businesses. Hamer's escape was the fourth since the summer. Earlier this month, a woman was robbed at gunpoint. The suspect was also an escapee from the same facility.
WAFF 48 News called the state Prison Commissioner's office in Montgomery, where we talked with Brian Corbett. We asked him if this latest escape seems excessive.
"No I don't think it's excessive when you consider the number of inmates housed at that facility," Corbett said. "These are community custody inmates. They are out working in the free world just like you and I do every day, to begin with."
But Hamer, 27, wasn't working when a 3:20 a.m. bed check at the facility found him missing.
Corbett said as of August there are 663 total inmates housed in Decatur. The location of the facility on the highway, near other businesses, has some people concerned.
"They need better security," said Aaron Wise.
"I'm concerned," said Willie Guidry. "But I haven't had any problems. I do have my eyes opened at all times and I know they are back there."
Other law enforcement agencies also deal with work release inmates and understand local concerns. Mike Corley is the chief deputy for Morgan County, and he said that there may be something that local officials need to adjust to prevent more escapes.
But not probably, according to Corbett.
"No, to my knowledge there are no plans to make any changes at Decatur or any other work release facilities," he said.
WAFF 48 News was told that Hamer is refusing to sign an extradition waiver to return to Alabama. That means a hearing will be scheduled to determine if law enforcement can bring him back to face charges.
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C'mon, play. You know you want to. The boss will never know.
