August 27, 2023 - FRESNO – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials announced an incarcerated person who walked away from Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in Nevada County on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, has been apprehended.

At approximately 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, Special Agents took 19-year-old Malachi D. Thomas into custody in Fresno without incident. He was transported to North Kern State Prison. His case will be referred to the Nevada County District Attorney for consideration of escape charges. 

Thomas was admitted to CDCR from Fresno County on May 9, 2023, sentenced to serve seven years for assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury as a second-striker with enhancements for use of a firearm.

Since 1977, 99 percent of all incarcerated people who have left an adult institution, camp or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.


Source: CDCR