Lincolnton, NC, December 9, 2025
Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate who escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, NC, has been apprehended in York County, SC. Burgess was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and was set for release in 2027. He will remain in custody in South Carolina while extradition proceedings are arranged. The incident has led to an ongoing investigation by state authorities into the circumstances of his escape.
Lincolnton, NC – Escaped Inmate Captured in South Carolina
Lincolnton, NC – Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate who escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on Sunday, was apprehended in York County, South Carolina, on Monday morning. Burgess had been serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and was scheduled for release in January 2027. He will remain incarcerated in South Carolina pending extradition proceedings to return him to North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to investigate the escape. Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes of the NC Department of Adult Correction expressed gratitude for the assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), York County Sheriff’s Office, NC SBI, and the Gastonia Police Department, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships in maintaining community safety.
Details of the Escape and Capture
Burgess escaped from the minimum-security Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, NC, on Sunday afternoon. Authorities coordinated with SLED and local law enforcement to locate and apprehend him. He was captured in York County, SC, approximately 30 miles from the prison. Burgess will remain in South Carolina custody until extradition proceedings are completed to return him to North Carolina. The investigation into the escape is ongoing, with the NC Department of Adult Correction and the NC State Bureau of Investigation leading the efforts.
Background on Roy Burgess
Roy Burgess, 42, had been serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny at the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, NC. His release was scheduled for January 2027. Burgess has a history of low-level felonies spanning nearly 20 years. The escape prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies, leading to his capture in South Carolina. The NC Department of Adult Correction and the NC State Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape.
Recent Incidents of Inmate Escapes in the Region
This incident follows a series of inmate escapes in the region. In May 2025, Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate from South Carolina, escaped during a work-release program and was later captured in Charlotte, North Carolina. In August 2024, Ramone Alston, serving a life sentence for the murder of a one-year-old girl, escaped from a medical transport van and was captured after a multi-day manhunt in Kannapolis, North Carolina. These cases highlight ongoing challenges in managing inmate escapes and the importance of interagency cooperation in apprehending fugitives.
Conclusion
The swift capture of Roy Burgess underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between state and local law enforcement agencies. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the details of his escape and prevent future incidents. The NC Department of Adult Correction continues to work closely with the NC State Bureau of Investigation and other partners to ensure the safety and security of correctional facilities and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Roy Burgess convicted of?
Roy Burgess was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny at the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He had a history of low-level felonies spanning nearly 20 years.
Where was Roy Burgess captured?
Roy Burgess was captured in York County, South Carolina, approximately 30 miles from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
What is the current status of Roy Burgess?
Roy Burgess remains incarcerated in South Carolina pending extradition proceedings to return him to North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to investigate the escape.
Have there been other recent inmate escapes in the region?
Yes, in May 2025, Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate from South Carolina, escaped during a work-release program and was later captured in Charlotte, North Carolina. In August 2024, Ramone Alston, serving a life sentence for the murder of a one-year-old girl, escaped from a medical transport van and was captured after a multi-day manhunt in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Roy Burgess |
| Age | 42 |
| Sentence | One-to-two-year sentence for larceny |
| Escape Date | Sunday afternoon |
| Capture Location | York County, South Carolina |
| Distance from Prison | Approximately 30 miles |
| Current Status | Incarcerated in South Carolina pending extradition |
| Investigating Agencies | North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), York County Sheriff’s Office |
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