Linda Avila, Prison Escape, West Virginia 2019

West Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty to Prison Escape Charge

A federal inmate has admitted to escaping from a minimum-security prison in West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Linda Avila, 55, pleaded guilty to escape in a hearing presided over by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

According to the plea agreement, Avila walked away from the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson on January 29, 2019. She was serving a sentence for fraud at the time of the escape. The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation, which led to Avila's capture just a short distance from the prison.

Avila faces up to five additional years in prison when she is sentenced on January 29, 2020. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

The Federal Prison Camp at Alderson is a minimum-security prison for women. Avila's escape was a brazen move, but it ultimately led to her capture and a plea deal.

The case against Avila is a reminder that even in minimum-security prisons, inmates can pose a risk to the community. Avila's sentence will be determined by the court at her hearing next year.

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Linda Avila, 55, is currently awaiting sentencing for her role in the escape. The Federal Prison Camp at Alderson is a minimum-security prison for women, and Avila was serving a sentence for fraud at the time of the escape.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation into Avila's escape, which led to her capture just a short distance from the prison. Avila faces up to five additional years in prison when she is sentenced on January 29, 2020.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/federal-inmate-pleads-guilty-escape-charge