Prison escapee caught after 35 years

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Pamela Walker
Date: July 8, 2003	Phone: (919) 716-3733

Prison escapee caught after 35 years on the run RALEIGH- The Department of Correction has initiated extradition proceedings for Joel Saye who was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida on July 3. Saye escaped from Catawba Correctional Center by scaling the fence on the night of November 27, 1967. The Division of Prisons’ security section received some information that Saye was living in Jacksonville under the name of Allen Lawrence. Upon verification, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Saye without incident. In February 1962, Saye was convicted in Mecklenburg County and sentenced to 20 years for burglary second degree, assault with intent to commit rape and breaking and entering. Saye will be returned to North Carolina within the next couple of weeks to face possible escape charges. The Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission also will review his case. Note: A correction in Saye’s alias. # # #