U.S. Marshals have offered a $10,000 reward for murder suspect Kevin Mason, who was accidentally released from an Indiana prison on Sept. 13 due to an administrative error.
Police then kept the mistake secret for another six days before admitting their mistake to the public.
Mason, 28, was arrested on Sept. 11 after more than two years on the run for allegedly shooting Dontevius Ahmad Catchings at a funeral in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
It’s been eight days since he was accidentally released, and the Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office has announced a financial reward for any new information or leads on the fugitive’s whereabouts.
Colonel James Martin told NBC News that the accidental release occurred when one of the inmate clerks was altering books for Mason and accidentally withdrew two of the charges against him after thinking they were duplicates.
The wanted poster distributed by U.S. Marshals described Mason as “armed and dangerous,” wanted for murder, and added that he had “scars/tattoos” on his cheek, neck and chest
Colonel James Martin told NBC News that the accidental release occurred when one of the inmate clerks was altering books for Mason and accidentally withdrew two of the charges against him after thinking they were duplicates
Mason, 28, was arrested on September 11th after more than two years on the run for allegedly shooting Dontevius Ahmad Catchings (BILD) at a funeral in Minneapolis, Minnesota
The wanted poster distributed by U.S. Marshals described Mason as “armed and dangerous,” wanted for murder, and added that he had “scars/tattoos” on his cheek, neck and chest.
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal said in an update Wednesday that a woman, identified as 29-year-old Desiree Oliver, was arrested for aiding and abetting a criminal.
The Level 5 felony occurred when officers believed Oliver, whom officers identified as Mason’s girlfriend, knew his whereabouts based on her alleged actions after his release, according to FOX 59.
Mason was charged with murder, probation violation and weapons possession.
Colonel Martin said the publication was “a critical error, a critical mistake” and added that the two recorders responsible were fired as a result.
Since Mason’s release, a hectic manhunt has been launched as the Marion County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Beech Grove Police, Speedway Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to locate him.
The $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information that could lead to Mason’s arrest.
As for the people reportedly helping Mason stay under the radar, Martin said authorities won’t stop until he’s arrested again.
When he was first arrested in Indiana on September 11th, he had three separate warrants out of the state of Minnesota for murder, probation violation and firearms possession
The reason police waited six days to reveal that Mason had been released from prison in error was to gain a “tactical advantage” over him
Colonel Martin said the release was “a critical error, a critical mistake” and added that the two recorders responsible were fired as a result
“We will pursue you very aggressively.” “We will find you and charge you criminally, just like we did with Desiree Oliver,” Martin said.
Mason currently has four convictions for violent crimes, evaded capture for more than two years and was once believed to be in hiding in Florida.
When he was first arrested in Indiana on September 11th, he had three separate warrants out of the state of Minnesota for murder, probation violation and firearms possession.
The reason police waited six days to reveal that Mason had been released from prison in error was to gain a “tactical advantage” over him.
He is described as 5ft 7ins tall and weighs 200lbs and has distinctive tattoos including the word SUB on his chest and a cross under his eye.
Anyone with information about Mason’s whereabouts is urged to report that information to the U.S. Marshals.
Officials have also asked Mason to surrender as part of their secure surrender program.