Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor

Alvin W. Keller Jr.
Secretary

North Carolina Department of Correction

Statement regarding release of inmate William Bryant Jr.

 As required by law, inmate William O. Bryant Jr. (#0053980) was released Friday from Bertie Correctional Institution after he completed a sentence for sale and possession of cocaine. The Department never received a detainer from any agency seeking custody of Bryant for pending murder charges in Wake County. Other detainers for misdemeanor charges were verified as dismissed before Bryant was released.

As a backup to the formal detainer process, Department of Correction inmate release procedures include checking state court system records to verify there are no pending charges. The Department is investigating the circumstances of Bryant’s release and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if procedures were not followed.

“This agency’s job is to protect the public safety and I will not tolerate anyone who jeopardizes that safety,” said Secretary Alvin Keller.

 The Department notified local law enforcement on Monday morning when staff who were reviewing inmate releases confirmed Bryant’s pending charges. It is cooperating fully with local and federal authorities who are searching for Bryant and is offering all available resources.

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North Carolina Department of Correction
Public Information Office     4202 Mail Service Center     Raleigh NC 27699-4202
Phone (919) 716-3700      Fax: (919) 716-3795     www.doc.state.nc.us