BILLINGS - Billings Law Enforcement are searching for two women who escaped from prison Sunday morning. Officials with the Montana State Prison say the women broke out around 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
The suspects at large are Alicia Luke and Jenny Terrel. Officials noticed the women were missing when they didn't show up for their morning kitchen duties. Shortly after that, prison officials received a call from a former inmate.
"We received information from someone who is currently out in the community and used to serve here, and saw them on her way to work." Says Jo Acton, Warden at Montana State Prison. No one has escaped from Montana's Women's Prison in 12 years. Acton says the previous escape occurred before their secured fences were in place. "Its very uncommon for us, for women its usually spontaneous and they don't plan."
Both women were serving time for non-violent crimes. Alicia Luke was in for writing a bad check. She is 5'5' and 174 lbs with medium build. The second escapee, Jenny Terrel, is serving time for theft. She is 5'7'', and 160 lbs also with medium build. Acton says both women have a past of not cooperating with Prison policies and programs, but were expected to be released within 2 years.
Once caught, they will face at least, an additional two years for their escape. "Since we noticed that they were gone so quickly, we are very hopeful." Acton says the women could be wearing khaki pants and either Burgandy or Navy sweatshirts. Both are believed to be unfamiliar with Billings area without any contacts nearby. If you have any information about where these women are please contact the Billings Police Department.