News Summary
Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate, was captured after escaping from a work-release program at a Bojangles restaurant in South Carolina. Following his escape, authorities arrested his brother, who allegedly aided him. The incident has raised questions about the management of work-release programs designed to rehabilitate inmates. Community reactions emphasize the need for better oversight to ensure public safety while aiding inmate reintegration.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, was captured on May 6 after walking away from his work assignment at a Bojangles restaurant in Florence, South Carolina. Conner’s escape occurred on May 1 at approximately 9:30 p.m. while participating in a work-release program, which allows eligible inmates to work outside prison to gain job experience and skills.
The arrest took place in close proximity to the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport after law enforcement agencies tracked down multiple leads regarding Conner’s whereabouts. The capture was a result of collaborative efforts among several law enforcement agencies, including the SCDC’s Office of Inspector General, SCDC Division of Security, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, U.S. Secret Service, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), as well as local police and sheriff’s departments from Florence and Orangeburg counties. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the arrest.
Following Conner’s escape, authorities initiated an investigation that led to the arrest of his brother, 37-year-old Roland Miley, on May 5. Miley faces charges for allegedly aiding Conner’s escape by helping him make preparations to leave the area shortly after he walked away from his job.
Conner is now expected to be extradited back to South Carolina, where he will face charges related to his escape from custody. Such incidents have sparked discussions surrounding the management and supervision of work-release programs, which aim to ease the transition of inmates back into society by providing them with experience and skills needed for future employment.
The work-release program is designed to promote rehabilitation by allowing inmates to develop a work history and earn wages. However, incidents like Conner’s escape raise questions about the effectiveness and security of these programs. Law enforcement agencies continuously review procedures and policies to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the community while assisting inmates in their reintegration process.
The community’s reaction to the escape and subsequent capture reflects growing concerns regarding public safety and the responsibilities that come with managing work-release programs. As discussions continue, authorities emphasize the importance of balancing rehabilitation efforts with necessary oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conner’s escape and arrest have put a spotlight on the need for ongoing evaluation of correctional policies in South Carolina and beyond. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in rehabilitating offenders while ensuring public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Work Release
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Escaped Inmate North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Work Release Programs in Prisons
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Correctional Facility
- CBS News
- Google News: Capture of Escaped Inmate
Author: HERE Charlotte
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