The Georgia Department of Corrections released this statement over the weekend:

Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Corrections announced today the recapture of inmate Johnny Mack Brown who escaped from Hays State Prison last month.  Brown was captured in a wooded area in Franklin County by Lavonia City Police.  Corrections, GBI, Federal Task Force, Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officials recently concentrated search efforts in areas surrounding rural Franklin County.

Brown was serving a life sentence plus seventy years for armed robbery when he escaped on October 13^th.  Because of his violent history, Brown had been placed on the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list, with a $25,000 reward offered for his recapture.

While authorities continue their investigation, Brown is being moved to the Hi-Max facility at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson, Georgia where he will be held until his arraignment for the kidnapping of Kellie Durden.  “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Lavonia Police Department and all police personnel who participated in the recapture,” stated Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald.  “This affirms our commitment to our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” added Donald.

Authorities continue the search for Michael A. Tweedel who escaped with Brown.  Tweedel was serving two ten-year sentences for armed robbery, and has a history of heavy drug use.  Authorities express confidence that he will be recaptured as well.

Additional details surrounding the capture will be provided at a later date as the investigation and search for the second escapee continues.

The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 15,000 employees.