Baker County issues national alert for escaped convict
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Posted 11:43AM on Thursday, April 25, 2002
ALBANY - The Baker County sheriff's department has put out a national lookout for a man who escaped from jail who has a history of violent crimes. <br>
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WALB in Albany is reporting that 35-five-year-old Benjamin Whitfield escaped from jail Wednesday night. He was arrested in Newton for burglary at about 6 p.m. Four hours later, he ran out an unlocked door. <br>
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Whitfield has a long track record. In 1984, he served three years for aggravated assault and escape at the old Baker County jail. <br>
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A year later, in 1988, he was convicted of second degree murder, robbery and written threats to kill. He served a full sentence and was released in 2000. <br>
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Agencies in Dougherty County and eight surrounding counties have been contacted about the escape. Officials believe Whitfield is in the Albany area. <br>
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Whitfield escaped after he was let out of his cell to get a drink of water. <br>
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Baker County Deputy Aubrey Suggs said the door should be locked every evening, but it's not mandatory. Suggs said he thinks the sheriff will make changes to jail rules.