Authorities in Lee County are searching for Johnathan Mabe, an inmate who escaped from Sanford Correctional Center, a low-security facility for less violent offenders. Mabe is a 40-year-old white male, six feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Mabe has a long criminal record and was recently incarcerated on September 4 for being an habitual felon. He was scheduled to serve his sentence until December 2026 but chose to escape from confinement before completing his term, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

The Department of Public Safety is asking the public for tips and has provided a contact number at 919-895-7036, along with a reminder to call 911 for any sightings. Due to Mabe's history of habitual felonies, the community is advised to stay cautious and not approach him, but to report any information to authorities, as stated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.