The State of North Carolina is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of Francisco Cardenas, who is reported to have escaped from Hyde Correctional Center last Thursday. Seeking to bolster efforts to apprehend Cardenas, the U.S. Marshals Service is additionally putting up a reward of $5,000 for tips that result in his capture, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Cardenas, 32, has been described as a male standing 6 feet one inch tall, weighing approximately 130 lbs with brown eyes and a distinctive tattoo of a star on his left hand. He was previously convicted in Lee County for drug trafficking and was meant to serve a sentence of 5 to 8 years, with an anticipated release date in 2029. Authorities are now actively working to quickly locate and return him to custody.
There have been indications that Cardenas has established connections in Sanford and Broadway in Lee County, which law enforcement are investigating as part of their ongoing search. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in his capture. However, authorities warn that he should not be approached by individuals, as his current state of mind and intentions are unknown.
Those who possess any information regarding the whereabouts of Francisco Cardenas are urged to reach out with utmost immediacy. The combined reward now stands at $10,000, a financial incentive that the State and federal authorities hope will encourage individuals to come forward with valuable information. Citizens can contact their local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals Service with any tips that might contribute to the effort.
