Attempted escapees receive indictment
Earlier this year three inmates – Scott Hawkins, Joshua Hollimon and Tony Welborn – attempted to escape from the Franklin County jail but were apprehended before their plan came to completion. During September’s grand jury, those three inmates received their indictments for this act.
Hawkins, 52, was indicted on charges of escape in the first degree, disarming a law enforcement officer, promoting prison contraband and assault in the second degree. Last month Hawkins pleaded guilty to three other felonies and received a 30-year sentence. District attorney Joey Rushing said that at the time of that sentencing his office was aware of Hawkins’ grand jury charges, and that played a part in their decision on the settlement.
Hollimon, 33, was indicted on charges of escape in the first degree, promoting prison contraband and disarming a law enforcement officer. This wasn’t Hollimon’s only case on the docket in September’s grand jury. He was also indicted on charges of burglary in the third degree, theft of property in the first and second degree, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and possessing a firearm.
Welborn, 34, was indicted on charges of escape in the first degree, promoting prison contraband and assault in the second degree.
Hollimon’s and Welborn’s arraignments are set for Oct. 31.
“We’re hoping for a just penalty here because we have to send the message that this is not OK. It could have been a lot worse than it was,” Rushing said.
He also said that he is happy and grateful for the competency the jailers showed with their quick response to and handling of the threat.
