Escaped prisoner captured in South Texas, mother also arrested

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
Updated ·1 min read
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Officials say 39 year-old Robert Yancy Jr. was captured Monday near Victoria after escaping from the Clements Unit Sunday in Brazoria County. (Photo courtesy of TDJC)
Officials say 39 year-old Robert Yancy Jr. was captured Monday near Victoria after escaping from the Clements Unit Sunday in Brazoria County. (Photo courtesy of TDJC)

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice located and captured prison escapee Robert Yancy Jr. Monday morning in south Texas. Two others accused of helping him escape were also arrested and face felony charges.

The TDCJ announced that 39-year-old, Robert Yancy Jr. escaped the Clemens Unit in Brazoria at approximately 3:38 p.m. on Sunday, and he was later captured early Monday near Victoria.

Robert Yancy Jr.'s mother, Leonor Priestle, was charged with Permit/Facilitate an Escape following her son's capture early Monday near Victoria.
Robert Yancy Jr.'s mother, Leonor Priestle, was charged with Permit/Facilitate an Escape following her son's capture early Monday near Victoria.

The escape prompted the TDCJ to issue a state-wide notification about Yancy, including that he was seen leaving the area in a 2021 white Nissan Versa and was wearing a black beanie and a black sweater. Yancy was serving a life sentence without parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child out of Victoria County.

Russell Williams was charged with Criminal Intent to Escape following the escape and capture of Texas inmate Robert Yancy Jr.
Russell Williams was charged with Criminal Intent to Escape following the escape and capture of Texas inmate Robert Yancy Jr.

Yancy was later found and captured about 8:05 a.m. Monday in Matagorda County. The TDCJ stated he will face felony escape charges.In addition, the state's Office of the Inspector General arrested two other individuals in Victoria who were believed to be involved in Yancy's escape. Leonor Priestle, Yancy's mother, was charged with permit/facilitate an escape and Russell Williams was charged with criminal intent to escape.

The TDCJ thanked local and state law enforcement agencies and the Office of Inspector General who assisted in the search and the arrests.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Escaped prisoner captured in South Texas, mother also arrested