Lincolnton, NC, December 9, 2025
Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate, was captured in York County, South Carolina, just a day after escaping from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and was set to be released in January 2027. The swift capture was made possible through a partnership between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the York County Sheriff’s Office. Investigations are underway regarding the circumstances of his escape, highlighting ongoing challenges in inmate security and community safety.
Lincolnton, NC – Escaped Inmate Captured in South Carolina
Lincolnton, NC – In a swift conclusion to a concerning incident, Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate who escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on Sunday, was captured in York County, South Carolina, on Monday morning. This successful apprehension was made possible by a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Escape Details and Resolution
Burgess escaped from the minimum-security prison where he was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny, which was set to conclude in January 2027. The specific circumstances surrounding his escape have not been disclosed. After his capture in York County, South Carolina, Burgess will be incarcerated there while awaiting extradition proceedings to return him to North Carolina. In the meantime, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are actively investigating the situation.
About Roy Burgess
Roy Burgess has a history of low-level felonies spanning nearly two decades. He was serving a larceny sentence at the Lincoln Correctional Center, with a scheduled release in January 2027. The successful capture of Burgess serves as a reminder of the critical nature of community safety and the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in managing inmate security.
Community Safety and Law Enforcement Response
Leslie Cooley Dismukes, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, expressed gratitude for the prompt resolution of the incident. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies demonstrates the vital partnerships necessary for effective community safety operations. As investigations into the details of Burgess’s escape continue, authorities emphasize the importance of cooperative measures designed to prevent future occurrences.
Context of Recent Escapes
This recent incident is part of a broader trend of inmate escapes and subsequent captures in the region. For instance, Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate from South Carolina, escaped during a work-release program in May 2025 and was later apprehended in Charlotte, North Carolina. Similarly, Ramone Alston, who was sentenced to life for murder, escaped from a medical transport van and was captured after a multi-day manhunt in August 2024. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure environments within correctional institutions and the necessity for inter-agency cooperation to manage prison escape risks.
Conclusion
The capture of Roy Burgess highlights the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts across state lines. As investigations proceed, it is crucial to focus on improving prison security measures and fostering partnerships that ensure the safety of all community members.
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. His scheduled release date was in January 2027. Burgess has a record of low-level felonies spanning nearly 20 years.
How was Roy Burgess captured?
Roy Burgess was apprehended in York County, South Carolina, on Monday morning. The capture was the result of a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
What is the current status of Roy Burgess?
Following his capture in York County, South Carolina, Roy Burgess will remain incarcerated there while awaiting 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 escapes in the region?
Yes, there have been recent incidents involving escapes and captures in the region. Notably, in May 2025, Ulysses Conner, a 32-year-old inmate from South Carolina, escaped during a work-release program and was later apprehended in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, 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 the Charlotte area.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Roy Burgess |
| Age | 42 |
| Conviction | Larceny |
| Sentence | One-to-two years |
| Scheduled Release Date | January 2027 |
| Escape Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Capture Date | December 8, 2025 |
| Capture Location | York County, South Carolina |
| Collaborating Agencies | SLED, York County Sheriff’s Office, NC SBI, Gastonia Police Department |
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