Huntsville, Alabama, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Phillip Russell Deason, a 66-year-old inmate, escaped from a work release program in Huntsville, Alabama. Authorities have initiated a search for Deason, who is serving a life sentence for theft. Residents are urged to report any sightings to local law enforcement. Deason is described as a white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds, with blue eyes and red/auburn hair. This escape raises concerns about the safety protocols in place for work release programs.
Huntsville Inmate Escapes Work Release Program
Huntsville, Alabama – Phillip Russell Deason, a 66-year-old inmate, escaped from a work release program on Tuesday, September 30, around 6 p.m. Deason left his assigned job location at United Plating while serving a life sentence for Theft of Property – 1st Degree.
Deason was sentenced on December 13, 1999, and is currently housed at the North Alabama Community Based Facility/Community Work Center under minimum custody. Law enforcement officials have initiated a search for Deason and are concerned about public safety.
Deason is described as a white male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He has blue eyes and red/auburn hair. At the time of his escape, Deason was wearing blue jeans, a blue and white shirt, and a ball cap.
Authorities are urging the public not to approach Deason but to report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts to local law enforcement. Individuals can also contact the Alabama Department of Corrections at 1-800-831-8825.
Current Search Efforts
Law enforcement officials are actively conducting a search for Deason. They have called on the community to remain vigilant and help locate the escaped inmate. Public assistance is considered crucial to ensuring Deason is apprehended and returned to custody swiftly.
Background Information
Phillip Russell Deason has a long history of criminal activity, culminating in a life sentence for theft. Given the serious nature of his crimes and the life sentence imposed, authorities are taking this escape seriously, considering the potential risks to public safety. Minimum custody facilities like the one Deason escaped from are designed to allow inmates to participate in work programs in the community while still serving their sentences.
This escape incident highlights the risks associated with work release programs and brings into question the supervision and monitoring of inmates who participate in these programs. It serves as a reminder for law enforcement and corrections departments to evaluate security protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
FAQ Section
What did Phillip Russell Deason escape from?
Phillip Russell Deason escaped from a work release program in Huntsville, Alabama.
When did the escape occur?
The escape occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30.
What was Deason’s crime?
Deason is currently serving a life sentence for Theft of Property – 1st Degree.
When was Deason sentenced?
Deason was sentenced on December 13, 1999.
Where is Deason housed?
Deason is housed at the North Alabama Community Based Facility/Community Work Center under minimum custody.
What does Deason look like?
Deason is described as a white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with blue eyes and red/auburn hair.
What was Deason wearing at the time of his escape?
At the time of his escape, Deason was wearing blue jeans, a blue and white shirt, and a ball cap.
What should the public do if they see Deason?
Authorities are urging the public not to approach Deason but to report any sightings or information to local law enforcement or the Alabama Department of Corrections at 1-800-831-8825.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Phillip Russell Deason |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Escape Location | Work Release Program in Huntsville, Alabama |
| Escape Date | September 30 |
| Job Location | United Plating |
| Sentenced For | Theft of Property – 1st Degree |
| Sentence Date | December 13, 1999 |
| Custody Type | Minimum custody at North Alabama Community Based Facility |
| Description | White male, 5’9″, 180 lbs, blue eyes, red/auburn hair |
| Clothing at Escape | Blue jeans, blue and white shirt, ball cap |
| Contact for Information | Alabama Department of Corrections: 1-800-831-8825 |
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Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- Wikipedia: Inmate Escape
- Rocket City Now
- Google Search: Huntsville inmate escape
- ABC13 News
- Google Scholar: Inmate Escape
- Fox 26 Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Inmate Escape
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
