Quitman jail escapee captured

By By Erin Hilsabeck / staff writer
May 28, 2004
A prisoner escaped from the Clarke County Jail in Quitman Wednesday, but was apprehended later that day.
Raphael Staten, 22, escaped between 11 a.m. and noon during an outdoor exercise period, said Clarke County Sheriff Todd Kemp.
Kemp believes two other inmates helped Staten climb a 20- to 25-foot concrete block wall near the exercise yard. Staten fled south to Wayne County after stealing a Quitman School District truck.
After an manhunt involving all nearby law enforcement agencies, Staten was captured between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Kemp said searchers found Staten in a clump of bushes off Salley Grey Road.
Staten is expected to be charged with grand larceny and escape in connection with the incident.
Staten had been on parole after serving time for sexual assault. He was in jail because he had been charged with burglary and home invasion, but had not yet been to trial.
The two prisoners who aided in Staten's escape may also be charged.