An inmate from the O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), Bobby M. Cotton, failed to return to the correctional facility from a work furlough pass on September 19, a report by the Department of Public Safety stated. Cotton, who was on a job-seeking pass, was due back by 5 p.m. but did not return. Both the Sheriffs and the Honolulu Police Department have been alerted and are conducting a search for the 51-year-old.
Cotton is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 177 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Current serving time for a second-degree robbery conviction, he is now also facing an escape charge, which is classified as a Class C felony. Such a charge can lead to up to five years of additional prison time if he is convicted. According to the news release on the Office of the Governor, Cotton had been classified under community custody, the lowest risk level within the correctional system, which allowed him the privileges of the work furlough program.
The work furlough program is designed to let inmates to gradually reintegrate into society. However, incidents like Cotton's failure to return threaten to negatively impact the program's perceived efficacy. The Department of Public Safety uses the program to prepare inmates for release by facilitating employment prospects. Cotton's escape will likely to renew debates on the program's supervision and eligibility criteria.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Cotton’s whereabouts to make contact with law enforcement as soon as possible. People are instructed to call 911 or the state Sheriffs at 808-586-1352 if they have any information that can help the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, the OCCC is likely to review and possibly to tighten up procedures and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
