Lincolnton, North Carolina, December 9, 2025
Roy Burgess, a 42-year-old inmate, was captured in York County after escaping from Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina. His escape prompted a swift, coordinated response from law enforcement agencies, highlighting their commitment to public safety. Burgess, who was serving a larceny sentence and was scheduled for release in 2027, raised concerns about correctional facility security during his brief escape. The investigation into the escape continues, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures within institutions.
Prison Escapee Captured: Roy Burgess Apprehended in York County
Swift law enforcement response highlights regional collaboration
Lincolnton, North Carolina – In a recent incident underscoring the importance of law enforcement collaboration, 42-year-old inmate Roy Burgess was apprehended following his escape from Lincoln Correctional Center on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The escape triggered a coordinated search, involving multiple agencies, that ultimately led to Burgess being captured in York County, South Carolina just one day later.
Burgess had been serving a one-to-two-year sentence for larceny and was scheduled for release in January 2027. His brief escape and the swift response from various law enforcement divisions reflect a commitment to community safety and the resilience of law enforcement to act decisively in high-pressure situations. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities and law enforcement, demonstrating the critical nature of effective communication and partnerships.
Details of the Escape and Capture
Burgess escaped from the minimum-security Lincoln Correctional Center around Sunday afternoon. Authorities were quickly alerted, leading to an organized and multi-agency search for the inmate. On Monday morning, agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and deputies from the York County Sheriff’s Office located Burgess just 30 miles from the prison. His capture was executed without incident, emphasizing the effectiveness of a well-coordinated law enforcement response.
Background Information
Roy Burgess had a long-standing history of low-level felonies over nearly two decades. His latest incarceration for larceny reflects broader trends in criminal justice involving individuals facing similar charges. With his scheduled release not far off in January 2027, the escape raised questions about security protocols at correctional facilities. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of this escape.
Related Incidents
The escape of Roy Burgess is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been other notable prison escapes in North Carolina that have raised concerns about facility security. For instance, in May 2025, Francisco Cardenas fled from the Hyde Correctional Center and was apprehended after a four-day search. Similarly, John Matthew Nigh managed to escape from the Craven County Jail earlier in January 2025, leading to a prolonged manhunt lasting 16 days. These events indicate prevalent challenges in maintaining security within correctional institutions, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing evaluations and enhancements in security measures.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Roy Burgess |
| Age | 42 |
| Sentence | One-to-two-year sentence for larceny |
| Scheduled Release Date | January 2027 |
| Escape Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Capture Date | December 8, 2025 |
| Capture Location | York County, South Carolina |
| 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 |
Conclusion
The quick capture of Roy Burgess serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety. As communities work together to support small businesses and navigate challenges, it is also crucial to address the prevalent security concerns within our correctional facilities. As residents of Rock Hill and surrounding areas continue to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and collaborative growth, they must remain vigilant and supportive of all measures aimed at ensuring community safety. Staying engaged in local issues not only enhances business resilience but also strengthens the bonds within our neighborhoods.
FAQs
What was Roy Burgess’s sentence?
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.
How was Roy Burgess apprehended?
Roy Burgess was apprehended by agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and deputies from the York County Sheriff’s Office 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 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 prison escapes in the region?
Yes, there have been other recent prison escapes in the region. In May 2025, Francisco Cardenas escaped from the Hyde Correctional Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina, and was found four days later. In January 2025, John Matthew Nigh escaped from the Craven County Jail in New Bern, North Carolina, through the building’s ventilation system, leading to a 16-day manhunt before his capture.
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