GAINESVILLE—Hall County Sheriff's deputies have taken an inmate who did not return to jail after a work detail back into custody.
Deputy Nicole Bailes said that Dustin McClary, 28, of Gainesville signed out of the jail to go to work last night, but did not return this morning.
"(He) had failed to return from his employment for the evening," said Bailes.
A call to his employer determined McClary never showed up in the first place.
An anonymous call around 11:30 a.m. said McClary was at the Quik Trip gas station on Jesse Jewell Parkway at Limestone Parkway, but deputies believe this was an effort to throw them off the trail.
They then went to an address on Sutton Road, where McClary's girlfriend, Elizabeth Smith, lived.
"The officers were able to make contact...and (Smith) denied (McClary) was at the residence, and it turned out he was," said Bailes.
Deputies have charged McClary with felony escaping; Smith, has also been charged with interfering in the case.
The work release is a different category from the types that can be found working along the side of a highway picking up trash.
"He was allowed to be picked up by an approved driver and taken to his workplace," said Bailes.
At that point, there is supposed to be a phone call for confirmation that the inmate is at work, and then the driver is supposed to pick the inmate up at the end of the shift.
Bailes said McClary was "deceitful" with regard to his whereabouts.
At this point, the driver is not believed to be involved.
Both McClary and Smith were transported to the Hall County Jail.
