Escaped Texas Inmate Serving Life for Child Sex Abuse Recaptured

Mother, a Former Correctional Officer, and Her Boyfriend Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Escape

Convicted child sex offender Robert Yancy Jr., who was serving a life sentence without parole, escaped from the Clemens Unit in Brazoria, Texas, on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Yancy's mother, Leonor Priestle, a former correctional officer, is suspected of aiding his escape by providing him with a disguise and an ID badge during her visit to the prison.
Yancy was recaptured on Monday, December 18, 2023, in Matagorda County, Texas, after two civilians recognized him and alerted the police.
Leonor Priestle and her boyfriend, Russell Williams, were arrested in connection with Yancy's escape. Priestle faces a charge of permit/facilitate an escape, and Williams was charged with criminal intent to escape.
Yancy now faces additional felony escape charges.