Update 12:52 pm:
On Monday, officials captured two inmates who escaped from the Cocke County jail this weekend.
Deputies took Jimmy Grooms, 49, into custody at about 12:40 p.m. Monday. About 12 hours before Grooms' arrest, authorities captured Austin Fine, 20 without incident.
The two man ran away from the Cocke County Detention Facility during a transport Sunday. Cocke County Sheriff Armondo Fontes wrote in an email that a ministry program was supervising Grooms and Fine, who were among six inmates working outside the jail, when the two escaped.
Grooms is awaiting trial on kidnapping and assault charges. Fine had recently entered the ministry program. He was jailed on theft charges and violating probation.
Update 12:11 pm:
(WBIR) One of two inmates who escaped from the Cocke County jail this weekend was arrested early Monday morning.
Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes confirmed deputies took Austin Fine, 20, into custody without incident at about 12:30 a.m. Officials said they're still searching for Jimmy Grooms, 49.
The two man ran away from the Cocke County Detention Facility during a transport Sunday. Fontes wrote in an email that a ministry program was supervising Grooms and Fine, who were among six inmates working outside the jail, when the two escaped.
Fine had recently entered the ministry program. He was jailed on theft charges and violating probation.
Cocke County deputies still need the public's help locating Grooms. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 423-623-3064 or 423-623-6023. An anonymous tip can also be left at www.cockecountysd.com
Previous story:
Cocke County authorities are looking for two inmates who escaped from the Cocke County jail this weekend.
Deputies are searching for Austin Fine, 20, and Jimmy Grooms, 49, after the two ran away from the Cocke County Detention Facility during a transport Sunday.
In an emailed release, Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes said six inmates were under the supervision of ministry program workers outside the jail. As they prepared to transport the inmates, Grooms and Fine took off.
Cocke County authorities searched all afternoon Sunday, but have not yet located the two men.
Fontes said Grooms was a regular participant in the ministry program, attending weekly sessions for more than a year. He was awaiting trial on kidnapping and assault charges. Fontes said the case involved narcotics.
Fine just recently entered the ministry program. He is jailed on theft charges and violating probation.
Cocke County authorities are asking for the public's help in locating the two inmates. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Department at 423-623-3064 or 423-623-6023. An anonymous tip can be left at www.cockecountysd.com.
