An Oklahoma inmate who walked away from a minimum-security prison in McAlester more than two months ago has been captured in Rhode Island. According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC), 41-year-old Logan D. Palmer was arrested in the parking lot of a non-profit that helps the homeless and hungry.

Palmer escaped from the McAlester facility on July 22, where he was serving a 10-year sentence for lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child out of Caddo County. The facility, which does not have a fence, spans several hundred acres and includes a large agricultural operation. "He was able to walk away from the facility," said Kay Gallamore, chief of public relations at the ODOC.

Tracking the Fugitive

After his escape, Palmer was spotted at a Casey’s General Store in Denison, Texas, on July 25. ODOC Fugitive Agents, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, tracked Palmer across multiple states during his time on the run.

The chase ended when authorities arrested Palmer in Rhode Island. He is currently being held at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections while awaiting extradition back to Oklahoma. Officials have not released details about how Palmer was located in Rhode Island, but his arrest brings an end to weeks of searching.

What Happens Next

Once Palmer is returned to Oklahoma, he will be moved to a medium-security facility, according to Gallamore. "He'll be escorted by an officer everywhere that he goes. He will be locked down to his pod, and then they get out for recreation and stuff like that. But it definitely won't have as much freedom or free time as he does at a minimum," she explained.

Palmer is also expected to face additional charges related to his escape. These charges could add more time to his sentence, though specific details about the charges have not yet been released.

Background on the Facility

The McAlester minimum-security facility, where Palmer escaped, is designed for inmates who are considered low-risk. It does not have the same security measures as higher-security prisons, such as fences or walls. The facility’s agricultural operations and open layout make it easier for inmates to leave undetected, though such escapes are still rare.

Gallamore emphasized that Palmer’s case is not reflective of the majority of inmates at the facility. "Most of these folks are working hard and trying to turn their lives around," she said. "Unfortunately, you do have a few who take advantage of the system."

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges corrections officials face in balancing rehabilitation opportunities with security measures.