Sheriff's office completes investigation of inmate escape

Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2008

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Pittsboro, NC - The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has completed an investigation on the events that led to the escape of five inmates from the Chatham County Detention Center. The investigation revealed that written policy and procedures were in place to secure the Detention Center and prevent the escape. Further investigation revealed that failure to follow these procedures and policy was the ultimate reason for this incident.

Other issues that were indirectly related were shortages in staff, technology upgrades and the need for an up-to-date facility. Correcting these issues would dramatically supplement the security level of the facility. I will continue to address them as budgetary issues.

As a result and upon the completion of our internal investigation, the senior detention officer on duty the night of the escape was terminated from employment with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Stewart Wendell Baldwin is the lone inmate wanted for escaping the Detention Center. He is entered wanted nationwide and any information on his current location is requested. Please call (919) 542-2911 if you have information on his whereabouts.

Although effective procedures and policy are in place in the Detention Center to prevent such escapes, I do regret the incident occurred and will continue to collaborate with all county officials for improvements of our facility for the safe and secure confinement of inmates.

Sheriff Richard H. Webster
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office