York County, South Carolina, December 9, 2025
Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate who escaped from Lincoln Correctional Center in North Carolina, was apprehended in York County, South Carolina. He was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and will face extradition back to North Carolina. The escape has prompted investigations by authorities in both states, underscoring the importance of public vigilance in law enforcement collaboration.
York County, South Carolina
Escaped North Carolina Inmate Captured in South Carolina
Authorities apprehended 42-year-old Roy Burgess in York County, South Carolina, following his escape from Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on December 7, 2025. Burgess was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and was scheduled for release in January 2027. He will remain in South Carolina pending extradition to North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to investigate the escape.
Details of the Escape
Burgess escaped from Lincoln Correctional Center, a minimum-security facility in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on December 7, 2025. The circumstances of his escape have not been publicly disclosed.
Capture in South Carolina
Following his escape, Burgess was located and apprehended in York County, South Carolina. He is currently in custody in South Carolina and will be extradited to North Carolina to face charges related to his escape.
Background Information
Roy Burgess, 42, was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny at Lincoln Correctional Center. His scheduled release date was in January 2027. Prior to this sentence, Burgess had a record of low-level felonies spanning nearly 20 years.
Investigation and Response
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the State Bureau of Investigation are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Burgess’s escape. They have expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the York County Sheriff’s Office in resolving this incident swiftly.
Recent Similar Incidents
This incident follows a series of recent prison escapes in the region. Notably, in August 2024, convicted murderer Ramone Alston escaped from a hospital transport and was captured after a three-day manhunt. In January 2025, John Matthew Nigh escaped from the Craven County Jail through the ventilation system, leading to a 16-day manhunt before his capture.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in preventing and responding to such incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies promptly.
Conclusion
The recent capture of Roy Burgess serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within the correctional system and the necessity of cooperation among law enforcement agencies across state lines. With the increase in incidents of prison escapes, community vigilance has never been more crucial. Citizens are encouraged to remain proactive in supporting local law enforcement efforts, which not only enhances safety but also promotes a resilient community spirit.
FAQs
What was the crime that Roy Burgess committed?
Burgess was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny.
When did Burgess escape from prison?
Burgess escaped from Lincoln Correctional Center on December 7, 2025.
Where was Burgess captured?
Burgess was captured in York County, South Carolina.
What agencies are involved in the investigation of Burgess’s escape?
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the State Bureau of Investigation are involved in the investigation, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
What should residents do in case of suspicious activity?
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies promptly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Escape and capture of Roy Burgess |
| Location of Escape | Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincolnton, North Carolina |
| Location of Capture | York County, South Carolina |
| Inmate’s Age | 42 |
| Sentence Details | One-to-two-year sentence for larceny, scheduled for release in January 2027 |
| Investigation | Ongoing by North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and State Bureau of Investigation |
| Assisting Agencies | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and York County Sheriff’s Office |
| Recent Similar Incidents | August 2024: Ramone Alston’s escape and capture; January 2025: John Matthew Nigh’s escape and capture |
| Public Advisory | Residents encouraged to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement |
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