Inmate arrested after walking away from Acton Conservation Camp

Authorities re-arrested an inmate who they say walked away from the Acton Conservation Camp on Tuesday evening. 

At around 9:15 p.m, they realized that Jessie Meza, 38, was missing during a head count, according to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Because of this, local law enforcement was notified to further the search. 

Meza was arrested on Thursday morning at around 10:20 a.m. in Bakersfield, authorities said.

They described Meza as standing about 5-foot-5 and weighing nearly 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing grey shorts and thermals with white tennis shoes and a state-issued orange jacket. 

Meza was transferred to Acton from Kern County in 2022 so he could serve 16 years for assault with a firearm with an enhancement for use of a firearm and possessing a fire arm as a felon and vandalism, the CDCR statement said. 

Anyone who knows more or is aware of Meza's whereabouts is urged to contact Special Agent Brian Ellis at (951) 232-3696.