RABUN COUNTY, Ga. – Richard Jason Crump, 45, an inmate incarcerated at the Rabun County Detention Center, is charged with Escape following an incident that occurred this morning.

Investigation revealed that at approximately 8:09 a.m., Crump, who was assigned to a work detail, used a tool shed as concealment to climb over the back portion of the outer perimeter fence to gain access to the outside of the secured perimeter. Once outside, Crump traveled on foot through the wooded area located between the Detention Center and the Rabun County Recycling Center. Sheriff’s Office Investigators observed Crump in the wood line on Boen Creek Road, across the street from the Sheriff’s Office. Not seeing the work detail truck parked nearby, one of the investigators called out to Crump. Crump continued through the wooded area back in the direction of the detention center. At 8:24 a.m., approximately fifteen minutes following his initial escape, Crump climbed back over the fence at the same location from where he initially escaped. As the situation was unfolding, the detention center was placed on lock down and the appropriate measures were taken to account for all inmates.

A criminal investigation into Crump’s escape is on-going, as well as an administrative investigation into the breach of security to prevent such an incident from reoccurring.

Fortunately, this event was resolved in a timely manner and without further incident. The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office takes the safety of our community, staff, and inmates very seriously and will continue working to maintain and achieve the highest level of security within the detention center.