An inmate who authorities say a judge allowed to leave the Franklin County Jail is back in custody after not returning and being found in a Tuscumbia home.
Richie Oneal Landers, 51, was found hiding in a bedroom closet in the home about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan.
Logan said his department and members of the Tuscumbia Special Operations Group found Landers after receiving a tip he was hiding in a house belonging to a hospitalized person. They gave permission to search and Landers was found, Logan said.
Late Tuesday, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office released this statement, which presents new details on Landers’ escape and the office’s attempt to potentially prevent it.
Here it is: “Richie Landers was released on April 22, 2024 per Judge Thompson to take care of an insurance issue. This release was opposed by the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office but the judge granted the release anyways.
“Landers was ordered to return by 4 p.m. but failed to do so. Investigators learned he was dropped off at a residence in Tuscumbia, Alabama and could potentially still be there. Tuscumbia PD was called and asked to check and ultimately apprehended Mr. Landers. A new charge of Escape 1st was added to Mr. Landers. He is back at the Franklin County Detention Center.â€
Check back with WAAY for more details as they are released.
Richie Oneal Landers
