GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. — The U.S. marshals are looking for a federal inmate being held in Kentucky who escaped during a prison transport at around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Greene County.
Sean Williams is facing numerous charges of rape, distribution of meth and sexual assault of a minor. He is also now facing a charge of escape. Authorities said he attempted to escape custody previously.
"Think of how many thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of prisoner transports go on every day across America For an event like this to happen, it's relatively rare. You wouldn't normally see something like this occurring, especially with the security that goes on around these individuals," said Mark de la Guerra, a security expert.
David Jolley with the U.S. Marshals Service explained how Williams was able to escape. Williams was being moved by Laurel County, Ky., Sheriff's personnel.
"Kicked out a back window of a transport van and was able to make his way out the window and escape," said Jolley.
Williams managed to escape from Laurel County Jail transport officers. As of Thursday evening, authorities were still searching for him.
Mark de la Guerra said several factors could have been at play that allowed him to get out of his restraints and escape. He also said while the public shouldn't be afraid as authorities search for him, they should stay vigilant and immediately report any sightings of Williams to police.
"If these are in good condition, and if they're applied properly, there's no one that should be able to escape from those. However, these are pieces of equipment. These are mechanical devices. So, things do go wrong," de la Guerra. "Maintain your vigilance. There's no reason for anyone to be paranoid but maintain your vigilance. Make sure if you're in your car, your car doors are locked. Make sure if you're in your home, that your home is locked."
Jolley also said nobody should approach him if they do see Williams. The total maximum award for information leading to his arrest is $7,500 with reward money offered by the U.S. Marshals and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
"We do consider him to be the type of individual that will do anything in his power to not be captured," he said.
Anyone with information about his location should reach out to the TBI by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND, or 1-800-824-3463. People can also call 911 if they spot him.