The Tennessee Department of Corrections is searching for two inmates who escaped the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville Friday.
TDOC’s West Region Public Information Officer Tylee Tracer said Robert Lee Brown and Christopher Osteen left the NWCX minimum security annex early Friday morning.
“At approximately 8:25 a.m. officers confirmed the two minimum security offenders were missing after an emergency recount,” she said. “Security measures have been implemented and local law enforcement have been notified. Search efforts are under way and investigators are following active leads.”
Brown, 36, of Putnam County, is currently serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated rape. His sentence was set to expire in 2022.
Osteen, 34, from Madison County, is serving an 8-year sentence for burglary. His sentence was set to expire in 2023.
Anyone with any information regarding their whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement or the TDOC TIPS Hotline at 1-844-TDC-FIND.
In August 2019, minimum security inmate Curtis Watson fled Ft. Pillow after allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering TDOC administrator Debra Johnson in her on-premises home. He was found in Henning after a five-day manhunt. District Attorney General Mark Davidson said he is seeking the death penalty in that case.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
