Arrest warrant issued in Alabama for missing jail official

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — An arrest warrant has been issued for a jail official who disappeared while escorting a prisoner last week in Alabama.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said a warrant was issued for the official’s arrest for permitting or assisting in an escape. Singleton said neither the inmate nor the official have been found.

The inmate, Casey Cole White, 38, was scheduled for a trial next month on a capital murder charge. He’s accused of stabbing a 58-year-old woman to death.

Vicki White, the assistant director of corrections at the facility, told co-workers she was taking the inmate to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation on Friday. The two then disappeared. Authorities said the courthouse appointment cited by Vicki White did not exist and that she broke department rules by escorting the murder suspect alone.

Casey White and Vicki White are not related, according to Sheriff Singleton.

“We consider both of them dangerous and in all probability both of them are armed,” U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said at a Monday press conference.

Sheriff Singleton said they’ve obtained video that indicated the two went straight from the jail to a parking lot where Vicki White’s patrol car was found.

Vicki White’s mother told WAAY-31 TV that she is in shock and scared for her daughter.

“We don’t know if she was took by force or if she was voluntarily in this. But we just want her back, that’s all we want,” Pat Davis said.

The Marshals Service said people with information about Casey White’s location or Vicky White’s disappearance can call the service at 1-800-336-0102. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Tip App.

As of Sunday, the U.S. Marshals Service was offering up to $10,000 for information.

Casey White stands 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs about 260 pounds, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.