Richard R. Cephas, Escape from Custody, North Carolina 2020

Raleigh, NC – Richard R. Cephas, 66 months in federal prison for violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, escaped from custody in Butner, North Carolina.

According to U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., Richard R. Cephas was arrested on April 20, 2020 by the United States Marshals Service after turning himself in at the Federal Courthouse in Delaware. The 18-day manhunt followed his alleged escape from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020.

In a federal Criminal Complaint, Richard R. Cephas is charged with escaping from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020. He waived all preliminary hearings and was remanded to the custody of the USMS. Richard R. Cephas is currently pending transfer back to the Eastern District of North Carolina to face escape charges.

U.S. Attorney Higdon praised the United States Marshals Service for their dedication and perseverance in investigating the escape. ‘We are grateful for our dedicated law enforcement officers, particularly the United States Marshals Service, who investigated Mr. Cephas’ alleged escape over the past several weeks,’ Higdon said.

Richard R. Cephas was serving the remainder of his prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Butner, NC. In 2017, he was sentenced by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to 66 months in federal prison for his violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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