Findings Regarding the Erroneous Release of Thomas Aaron Whitlock

 

A complete and thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the erroneous release of Thomas A. Whitlock from custody led to the review of the York County Sheriff’s Office transport protocol specifically as it relates to the Interstate Agreement on Detainers. The statutory interstate detainer procedure requires certain written forms that were utilized between the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Correction (NCDOC). These forms were properly used; however, the review showed that the single Form VI detainer documentation that is provided to transporting deputies is inadequate for internal usage to ensure that the transporting deputies and York County detention officers are made aware of the status of transported inmates and whether they must be returned to their originating facility. Transporting deputies were not provided with any oral or written documentation that instructed that Whitlock must return to NCDOC. Whitlock was provided with civilian attire by NCDOC prior to his transport and so was not identified by usual inmate attire. Likewise, there was no documentation provided to employees of the York County Detention Center to indicate that Thomas Whitlock was received from North Carolina Department of Corrections and that he had to return to that facility. All sheriff‘s office and detention center employees performed their duties according to unwritten practice and transport procedures that have functioned without incident for many years. In hindsight, however, it is clear that the procedures were not sufficiently detailed to avert the possibility of such an occurrence. Working in cooperation with the Solicitor’s Office, significant safeguards have been put into place that will provide the direct notification that was absent. The Solicitor’s Office, as originator of the transport, will now notify the detention center of the inmate’s anticipated arrival once approval has been granted by the originating state.   In addition, the sheriff’s office will also notify the detention center of the anticipated transport. These notifications will trigger new procedures at the detention center that will put detention employees on notice of the inmate’s imminent arrival and necessary return to his/her original facility. A new YCSO document has also been prepared that will be provided to the transporting deputies which must be provided to the detention center booking officer with the arriving inmate that will communicate whether the inmate must be returned to his/her original facility. In addition, all inmates will be provided with an orange York County detention inmate clothing prior to transport and will not be transported with civilian attire. Adherence to these new procedures will ensure that this type of incident will not recur.    Whitlock was recaptured within days and has been safely returned to the custody of North Carolina Department of Corrections. Whitlock will not face further charges in York County, South Carolina as a result of this incident. The York County Sheriff’s Office will make no further comments regarding this incident. ###

Friday, March 2, 2012: For Immediate Release

Fugitive Thomas Aaron Whitlock in custody

York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant has confirmed that fugitive Thomas Aaron Whitlock has been taken into custody in Dallas, Texas. Whitlock was taken into custody on Friday, March 2, 2012; he was apprehended at approximately 9:09 am EST.

Whitlock was apprehended at 330 East Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, Texas; this is the residence of the mother of Whitlock’s child. The location of his arrest today was not the same residence as when he was previously apprehended in 2010.

While assisting the York County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy US Marshal Service and Task Force Officers for the Lone Star State Fugitive Task Force approached the above location and Whitlock surrendered without incident.

Members of the York County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies have worked around-the-clock to capture Whitlock since he was released in error on February 27, 2012.

Sheriff Bruce Bryant thanks the members of his staff and the many law enforcement agencies that cooperated in the effort to take Whitlock back into custody. Agencies involved in this effort include the York County Sheriff’s Office, US Marshal Service District of South Carolina Task Force Operation Intercept, US Marshal Service District of Texas Lone Star State Fugitive Task Force, the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department,  the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the York County Multi-jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit.

Details of Whitlock’s return to the Carolina’s are still being determined.

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Friday, March 2, 2012: For Immediate Release

Fugitive Thomas Aaron Whitlock in custody

York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant has confirmed that fugitive Thomas Aaron Whitlock has been taken into custody in Dallas, Texas. Whitlock was taken into custody without further incident.  Members of the York County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies have worked around-the-clock to capture Whitlock since he was released in error on February 27, 2012.

Details of the arrest and Whitlock’s transportation back to the Carolina’ will be forthcoming. No further information to be released at this time.

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012: For Immediate Release

 York County Sheriff’s Office offers $5,000 reward

 Sheriff Bruce Bryant announced a $5,000 reward for information that directly leads to the apprehension of Thomas Aaron Whitlock.  On Monday, February 27, 2012, Thomas Aaron Whitlock was released from custody, in error, by the York County Detention Center. Whitlock has an extensive criminal history and is now wanted as a Fugitive from Justice.

 Whitlock is a North Carolina Division of Adult Correction inmate who was in York County to appear, in court, on prior criminal charges. Whitlock was previously convicted in North Carolina for a 2009 murder that was investigated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The York County Sheriff’s Office is working with the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction, and many other law enforcement agencies, in an attempt to take Whitlock back into custody. Whitlock is known to have relatives in Rock Hill, South Carolina and Dallas, Texas.

Sheriff Bryant warns that the public should not approach Whitlock; anyone with information on the possible location of Whitlock should contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 803-628-3059. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at1-877-409-04321, or online at www.yorkcrimestoppers.com.

Thomas Aaron Whitlock is 31-years of age; at the time Whitlock left the York County Detention Center, he was wearing a brown button-up shirt, a white t-shirt, khaki pants and white tennis shoes. A mug shot of Whitlock accompanies this release. There are no further updates in this investigation.

Thomas Aaron Whitlock

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012: For Immediate Release

 York County Detention Center releases inmate in error

 At approximately 3:00 pm, Monday, February 27, 2012, Thomas Aaron Whitlock was released from custody, in error, by the York County Detention Center. Whitlock is a North Carolina Division of Adult Correction inmate who was in York County to appear, in court, on prior drug related charges. Whitlock was convicted for a 2009 murder that was investigated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

 The York County Detention Center learned of the error shortly after 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Efforts were immediately mobilized in an effort to locate and apprehend Whitlock.

 The mistake was discovered when arrangements were being made to return Whitlock to Bertie Correctional Institution, Windsor, North Carolina.  Whitlock has an extensive criminal history and is now wanted as a Fugitive from Justice.

 The York County Sheriff’s Office is working with the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction, and many other law enforcement agencies, in an attempt to take Whitlock back into custody. Whitlock has relatives in Rock Hill, South Carolina and, at the time of his incarceration, his address was listed as Fox Trail Lane, Dallas, Texas.

 Sheriff Bruce Bryant has initiated a comprehensive investigation into how the error occurred; information will be forthcoming when the investigation is complete. Sheriff Bryant warns that the public should not approach Whitlock; anyone with information on the possible location of Whitlock should contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 803-628-3059. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at               1-877-409-04321, or online at www.yorkcrimestoppers.com.

 Thomas Aaron Whitlock is 31-years of age, his date of birth is 11/09/1980 and he is 5’11” and 144 pounds; a mug shot of Whitlock accompanies this release.

Thomas Aaron Whitlock 

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