On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Carroll County Regional Correctional Facility staff discovered an inmate unaccounted for during a routine body count. Immediately after this discovery, the facility went into lockdown and began executing emergency procedures. During the investigation that ensued, staff discovered that a kitchen employee was also unaccounted for and determined that the kitchen employee had left the facility with the inmate in her personal vehicle. At this time, federal, state and local authorities were notified to be on the lookout for the suspected vehicle.
A vehicle matching the description was spotted in Lafayette County. A positive identification was made as both suspects, the missing employee and inmate, were observed to be inside the vehicle. A chase ensued as authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, ultimately ending in the fleeing driver losing control of the vehicle. At this time both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.
Escapee Ryan Burks, 39, was serving a 30-year sentence for two counts of sexual battery and one count of burglary at the time of his escape. Burks was taken into custody at the scene of the wreck by officials and transported to Lafayette County Jail where he was booked in. Burks is being charged with Fleeing and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, both felony charges. As of Wednesday evening, he was transferred into the Mississippi Department of Corrections custody.
The female co-conspirator was identified to be Leslie Nichole McNeal, 44, of Grenada, a former CCRCF kitchen employee. McNeal was arrested at the scene of the wreck and transported to a nearby facility to be treated for her injuries. After treatment, she was booked into the Lafayette County Jail and charged with Aiding and Abetting, a felony charge. McNeal remains in LCJ custody at this time.
Carroll County Sheriff Walker stated in a press release Wednesday, “I am thankful that no one was injured and that the matter was resolved quickly. Emergency procedures were followed and the open lines of communication with authorities all over the state led to the quick apprehension of the subjects.”
In addition, Sheriff Walker thanked assisting agencies for their contributions, “I appreciate the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, U.S. Marshal Service, MS Department of Corrections, and everyone who assisted us in this matter.
Sheriff Walker closed his statement by adding, “As this is an active investigation, more information will be released as it becomes available.”
