Tennessee Inmate Escape Update – Governor Bill Lee Raises Reward to $10,000 as Search for Jacob Allen Morley Continues
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has increased the reward for information leading to the location and arrest of escaped inmate Jacob Allen Morley to $10,000 as authorities continue their search following his escape from a state correctional facility. The increase comes after investigators recovered a truck believed to have been stolen by Morley during his getaway, but officials say the discovery has not produced any substantial new leads.
The truck was found abandoned in Marion, Tennessee, early Tuesday, October 27, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Despite locating the vehicle, law enforcement agencies have continued working to establish Morley’s whereabouts.
Marion Police Chief David Fitts and Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich both confirmed that investigators had not received any significant new information following the discovery of the truck.
Tennessee Raises Reward for Information
Gov. Lee authorized the reward increase in a letter dated October 28 addressed to District Attorney General Danny H. Goodman Jr. The decision followed a request from Goodman, who sought a higher reward to encourage people with relevant information to come forward.
The state reward was increased from $2,500 to $10,000 for information that leads to Morley’s location and arrest. According to Lee’s letter, if multiple informants qualify, the reward will be divided among them.
Authorities hope the increased amount will encourage anyone with credible information about Morley’s movements or possible whereabouts to contact investigators.
How Jacob Allen Morley Escaped
Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, late on Sunday, October 25. The Tennessee Department of Correction said prison staff discovered he was missing at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Security footage reportedly showed Morley making his way through the facility’s perimeter fence before leaving the grounds wearing his prison uniform. Investigators later determined that he had stolen a truck, which was subsequently recovered in Marion.
Morley was serving a life sentence for murder and other convictions in Carter County, Tennessee, when he escaped. His criminal history and the circumstances of his escape have prompted authorities to urge the public to exercise caution.
Authorities Continue Search for Escaped Inmate
The recovery of the stolen truck has provided investigators with a vehicle connected to Morley’s escape, but officials have not announced a breakthrough establishing where he went after abandoning it.
Law enforcement agencies continue to seek information that could help them locate him. The lack of substantial new leads following the truck’s discovery means the search remains ongoing.
Morley is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.
Authorities consider Morley dangerous and have warned members of the public not to approach him if they see him. Anyone who believes they have spotted him should move away from the situation and call 911 rather than attempting to confront or detain him.
How to Submit Information
Anyone with information about Jacob Allen Morley’s whereabouts can contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-824-3463. People who see him should call 911 immediately and avoid approaching him.
With the state reward now increased to $10,000, investigators are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance. Authorities hope new information will help bring the search to an end and lead to Morley’s safe apprehension.