Inmates escape from camp

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Two inmates at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp north of Newcastle were confirmed on escapee status Sunday evening at approximately 10 p.m., according to a Wyoming Department of Corrections press release dated Sept. 23. As of Sept. 24, at the time of the News Letter Journal press deadline, neither inmate had been located and authorities were continuing the search. 
“Both inmates were discovered missing Sunday night following a facility count. Local law enforcement has been notified and area residents were alerted as soon as the escape was confirmed,” the release states. “Additional staff were called back to the facility, and a full facility search took place. The inmates were not found on site.” 
The release stated that the escaped inmates were Jason Green, 48, who is approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall, 170 pounds with white and gray hair and blue eyes. Green is serving a three- to eight-year sentence for larceny that was handed down in 2015. 
The other inmate placed on escapee status was Robert Simpson, 30, who is also about 5-feet, 10-inches tall and 165 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Simpson is serving a five- to 15-year sentence for aggravated burglary with a weapon. 
The Sept. 24 press release from the Wyoming Department of Corrections confirmed that a City of Newcastle vehicle stolen the night of the escape is suspected to be associated with the two inmates and their effort to flee the area. The vehicle is a tan 2002 Ford F150 extended cab with a white flat bed and tool boxes. The pickup also had a yellow mini bar on the roof and “Unit #71” on both sides of the cab near the door, according to Gilbert Nelson, Weston County Emergency Management coordinator. 
Wyoming Department of Corrections Director Robert Lampert was on scene in Newcastle Tuesday, and said his department is actively investigating the incident, along with the Newcastle Police Department and the Weston County Sheriff’s Office.
“Public safety remains our top priority, and we’re committed to apprehending these individuals as quickly and safely as possible,” he said in the release. 
Green and Simpson, according to the release, should be considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone who believes they’ve seen the inmates should call 911 or contact local law enforcement. 
At the time of press, no further update was available to the public. Continue to monitor the News Letter Journal Facebook page for updates as they are received.