LA Convict Recaptured After Disappearing Just Months Before Release

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A 24-year-old convict who walked away from a re-entry program in Los Angeles was back in custody Wednesday, authorities said.

Jessie Barraza, a convict, walked away from a re-entry program in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2017. He was scheduled to be released to probation in February 2018 after serving a 2-year sentence for grand theft auto. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials were searching for Jessie Barraza after they were alerted about 8:10 p.m. Tuesday that his GPS device had been removed while out on an approved pass, authorities said.

Barraza was apprehended just before 2 p.m. Wednesday in the city of Downey by CDCR's Special Service Unit agents.

Officials say he was taken into custody without incident, and will be transported to the California Institution for Men. His case will be referred to the county District Attorney's office for possible prosecution.

He was received by Corrections and Rehabilitation from Los Angeles County in June with a two-year sentence for grand theft auto and evading peace officers while driving recklessly, authorities said.

Barraza on Aug. 29 was transferred from North Kern State Prison to the Male Community Re-entry Program, which allows eligible offenders committed to state prison to serve the end of their sentences in a re-entry center, and was scheduled to be released to probation in February, authorities said.