Rock Hill, SC, December 9, 2025
A 42-year-old inmate, Roy Burgess, escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, NC, but was captured the next day in York County, SC. His escape raised concerns about prison security and inmate management. Authorities coordinated swiftly, showcasing law enforcement’s effectiveness. Burgess is now awaiting extradition back to NC to serve his sentence for larceny. Similar escapes in the region highlight ongoing challenges for correctional facilities, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures.
Rock Hill, SC – A recent event in Lincolnton, North Carolina, has captured regional attention. On Sunday, a 42-year-old inmate named Roy Burgess escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center, a minimum-security facility where he was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny. His escape, however, was short-lived, as he was apprehended the following day in York County, South Carolina, thanks to a coordinated effort between local law enforcement and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
While escaping from correctional facilities is not an everyday occurrence, it highlights ongoing issues regarding security and inmate management within the criminal justice system. Local residents may wonder about the implications of such events on the wider community, and how these incidents reflect on law enforcement’s efficiency and responsiveness.
In the case of Burgess, his quick capture serves as a reassuring reminder of the diligent work performed by law enforcement agencies. Currently, he remains in custody in South Carolina and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina, where he will continue to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Details of the Escape and Capture
Burgess escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center on a Sunday afternoon, approximately 30 miles away from the facility. His apprehension was swift; SLED agents worked alongside the York County Sheriff’s Office to locate and capture him the very next day. This rapid resolution underscores the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in maintaining public safety.
Background Information
Roy Burgess, at 42 years old, has been in the criminal justice system for nearly 20 years, with a background consisting primarily of low-level felonies. Serving time for larceny, his record reflects a consistent interaction with law enforcement and correctional institutions. The ongoing investigations by both the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding his escape.
Recent Similar Incidents
Burgess is not the first inmate from North Carolina to attempt an escape in recent months. There have been notable cases, such as Francisco Cardenas, who escaped from the Hyde Correctional Center in May 2025, and John Matthew Nigh, who managed to escape from the Craven County Detention Facility earlier in the year. Cardenas was recaptured after four days, while Nigh was apprehended 16 days post-escape. These incidents paint a troubling picture for correctional facilities in North Carolina, drawing attention to the measures needed to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
The recent escape and capture of Roy Burgess remind us of the complexities surrounding the criminal justice system—not just in terms of managing inmates but also in ensuring public safety and maintaining trust in law enforcement. As Rock Hill and the surrounding region continue to grow, it is vital for local businesses and communities to support initiatives that foster safety and security, which ultimately play a role in encouraging economic resilience and growth. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with local developments and support law enforcement’s efforts to maintain a secure environment in our neighborhoods.
FAQ
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate’s Name | Roy Burgess |
| Age | 42 |
| Crime Committed | Serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny at the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina. |
| Escape Date | Sunday afternoon |
| Capture Date | Following day |
| Location of Capture | York County, South Carolina, approximately 30 miles from the Lincoln Correctional Center. |
| Current Status | Incarcerated in South Carolina awaiting extradition to North Carolina. |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing investigation by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. |
| Recent Similar Incidents | In May 2025, Francisco Cardenas, 32, escaped from the Hyde Correctional Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina, and was recaptured four days later. In January 2025, John Matthew Nigh, 37, escaped from the Craven County Detention Facility in New Bern, North Carolina, and was apprehended 16 days later in neighboring Pamlico County. |
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