By scaling a fence, inmate escapes briefly

An Oconee inmate climbed a fence in the outdoor recreation area and escaped shortly after 6 last evening.  But Cody Adam Pelfrey’s reprieve lasted less than one hour.  According to the Sheriff’s Office, county officers with the help of citizens and the Walhalla and Westminster police found the 29-year old Pelfrey and placed him back in custody shortly before 7 o’clock.  The outdoor recreation area, from which Pelfrey escaped, is used by inmates who have non-violent misdemeanor type offenses.  There are two security fences used at the outdoor recreation facility.  The outer fence contains razor wire.  Last evening’s escape is something that Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says won’t happen once the new jail is opened.  Crenshaw says in the new jail, all recreation facilities are enclosed.  “That means all the inmates will have will be a view of the outside sky.”