KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Escaped inmate worker Ricky Lynn Burnette is facing 12 years after being convicted of theft over $2,500, Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen said.
In November 2022, Burnette was assigned to the Monroe County Maintenance Department as an inmate worker when he stole a 1997 silver Ford Ranger truck, according to officials. They said the truck belonged to another maintenance employee.
An MCSO official and Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies received information about a stolen vehicle on Chapman Highway. They then located the truck at a Knoxville Dollar General and took Burnette into custody, the DA said.
According to the DA, Burnette has 15 prior felony convictions of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, theft, escape and evading arrest.
His sentencing date has been set for Oct. 4.
