CAUGHT: Escaped inmate captured in Winchester

Matthew Perry Michael was captured at a Winchester motel Thursday evening, officials say. / Photo from RSW Regional Jail.

FRONT ROYAL — Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail inmate Matthew Perry Michael, who walked away from his work-release job with the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department on Wednesday, Jan. 17, was captured at a Winchester motel Thursday evening.

A Friday morning media release from  RSW Superintendent Russell S. Gilkison states that on Jan. 18,  “Warren County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Winchester Police Department and Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, located Matthew Perry Michael in a motel room in Winchester, Virginia and took him into custody without incident.”

Matthew Perry Michael, 36, was convicted of Probation Violation on October 16, 2017, by the Warren County Circuit Court and sentenced to 1 year and 11 months, with eight months to serve. He had been following a two-year supervised probation program after receiving a suspended sentence for a Felony Grand Larceny conviction in 2015, according to online court records.

Work Release and Public Work Force was authorized by the Warren County Circuit Court.  Michael was scheduled for release on April 24, 2018.

During the course of this investigation additional charges were placed on Michael for communicating in writing to kill or do bodily harm to a family member, a violation of the Virginia State Code 18.2-60.

Investigator Pugh obtained information that Michael was at the Clarion Hotel, located at 711 Millwood Avenue in Winchester VA. With the assistance of Winchester Police Department and Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Michael was taken into custody without incident for the above charge and the outstanding escape charge.

The investigation also identified Albert Byrd, Jr. from Gerrardstown WV and Courtney Rose Barrett from Hagerstown MD as being involved with the escape of Matthew Michael. These subjects were located during the apprehension of Michael and were charged with the following felonies:
18.2-473. Aiding the escape of a prisoner
18.2-22. Conspiracy to commit a felony
18.2-19. Accessory after the fact

Both subjects are being held without bond at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Brad Pugh at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office 540-635-7100.

According to Superintendent Gilkison, Michael is now being held without bond on Felony Escape and Felony Threats by Phone. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.