U.S. Marshals Lead Manhunt For 3 Iron County Escapees

January 21, 2021

Three men escaped the Iron County jail between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 15th and Saturday, Jan. 16th, 2021.

The following was release by the U.S. Marshals Service on Monday, January 18th, 2021.

St. Louis – The U.S. Marshals are leading the investigation for three inmates who escaped from the Iron County Jail in Ironton around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. On Saturday, January 16th, at approximately 1 p.m., Sheriff Burkett from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office contacted the U.S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Missouri and requested their assistance to support the manhunt and fugitive investigation. The U.S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Missouri deployed personnel from the Cape Girardeau sub office.

The escapees are Tracy L. Brown, Dwight J. Abernathie and Samuel Gilliam. All three were in custody on local charges. Gilliam was being held on an original charge of kidnapping. Abernathie was in custody on an original charge of assault and sodomy. Brown was in custody on an original charge of burglary.

The three allegedly moved a block wall to make their escape.

On Sunday, January 17th, the U.S.M.S. was requested to assume the lead in the manhunt and investigation. The district is deploying personnel from St. Louis to supplement personnel already working the case. A unified command post has been set up at the Iron County Courthouse in Ironton.

The U.S. Marshals are offering a reward of up to $2500.00 for the information that directly leads to the arrest of each escapee. The three escapees should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest law enforcement office. Information may also be submitted via the USMS Tips app or 1-800-336-0102 or the Ironton Police Department at 573-546-4000.