Escaped Inmate from Crockett County that Prompted Three-Day, Multi-Agency Manhunt Has Been Captured

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. (March 30) — A strategically coordinated, multi-agency manhunt culminated in the early morning hours of March 28 with the successful capture of fugitive Gerald “Pete” Samples. Samples was taken into custody after an extensive search operation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The manhunt continued in the area of Humboldt Gibson Wells Road, where Samples was last believed to be located. Upon receiving information of a possible sighting of Samples on Peter Smith Gravel Road, law enforcement personnel from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), United States Marshals Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Gibson County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Crockett County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Obion County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), FBI, and numerous other agencies intensified their search efforts to that area.

TDOC officers, along with their K-9 Kally, located Samples hiding in a wooded area. Samples was subsequently taken into custody with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.

“The U.S. Marshals Service always stands ready to assist our partners in catching escapees,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller “Thanks to great teamwork and commitment by multiple law enforcement agencies, Samples is back in custody where he belongs.”

Crockett County Sheriff Troy Klyce expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies for their efforts in bringing the manhunt to a successful conclusion.

Sheriff Klyce thanked all the sheriffs’ offices, the TBI, TDOC, U.S. Marshals, TWRA, FBI, and everyone else who came together to assist with this maximum pressure manhunt.

At approximately 4:41 a.m. on March 25, 2026, Gerald “Pete” Samples escaped from the Crockett County Jail.

Crockett County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was primarily concerned with getting Samples back in custody.

Now, they have released some details of interest regarding Samples. With a prior escape in 2020, CCSO recognizes the public’s concerns.

Samples was arrested on a violation of probation warrant out of Crockett County Circuit Court in August 2025. He was served with warrants out of Virginia on February 12, 2026, for alleged illegal online activity involving a juvenile victim back in July 2024.

When he was served with the warrants out of Virginia, he was locked down in Crockett County Jail. Next to follow were numerous court appearances, discussions about mistaken identity, and doubt about whether Virginia was going to extradite Samples to their state to answer on these serious charges.

Court Appearance History:

For the fugitive warrant out of Virginia, Samples appeared in Crockett County General Sessions Court:

February 12 – Fugitive warrant out of Virginia was issued and served.

February 19 – Appeared in court and did not waive extradition.

March 5 – Appeared in court; case continued.

March 19 – Appeared in court; case continued.

April 16 – Next court date for status of extradition.

For the Violation of Probation warrant out, Samples appeared in Crockett County Circuit Court:

August 9, 2025 – Arrested and served.

October 10, 2025 – Appeared in court; case continued.

February 9, 2026 – Appeared in court; case continued.

June 8, 2026 – Next scheduled court date.

After a period of time, Samples was given inside trusty status again and allowed outside the facility only with supervision. The investigation into the actual escape is ongoing and charges for an accomplice have been filed.

Clarification Regarding the Patrol Vehicle:

A patrol car was not left unsecured.

Samples stole a spare key to a patrol car that was currently unassigned to a deputy due to the officer being on medical leave. The car was secured.

Samples used the key he previously stole to steal the car and escape through the back door of the jail - which is the time of morning our trusties begin preparing breakfast.

Accountability:

He has previously served as a trusty for decades. However, assigning him trusty duties again after being charged was a mistake. That decision was made by this office, and we take full responsibility.

The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office has operated a trusty program for decades. trusties perform supervised work that saves the county significant taxpayer dollars. Their duties include meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, litter pickup, vehicle maintenance, and assisting county agencies and nonprofits. They also support community events and help during emergencies, such as clearing ice during the storm “Fern.” When working off-site, trusties are typically under direct supervision.

Any time an inmate is given additional responsibilities, there is inherent risk, including the possibility of escape. Under today’s bond system, individuals with lower-level charges are often released quickly, meaning those who remain in custody generally present higher risk factors.

The trusty program remains valuable, but this incident makes clear that our risk-assessment process must be strengthened. We have launched a full internal review of trusty selection criteria and procedures and will implement necessary changes.

“To the people of Crockett County: your frustration is justified. We accept that error and sincerely apologize. As you know, we will continue to have an open face with our community and seek to be as transparent as possible with you always.

“We welcome public feedback on our social media pages in accordance with our community standards.

“Thank you again to all the citizens and agencies who helped bring him back into custody. He is currently being housed in another facility and is locked down 23 hours a day with only one hour outside of his cell in the pod while awaiting extradition to Virginia,” the news release concluded.