Missing Corrections Officer Had 'Special' Relationship With Escaped Inmate: Sheriff

FLORENCE, AL — An Alabama corrections officer accused of helping an inmate escape Friday had a special, nonphysical relationship with him, a Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department spokesperson confirmed to Patch on Tuesday.

Vicky White, assistant director of corrections for Lauderdale County, helped Casey White escape Friday morning under false pretenses of taking him to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation, according to police. The two have not been found since, and authorities later learned there was no evaluation scheduled.

Vicky White's patrol car was found at a nearby shopping center later Friday, and investigators determined through surveillance footage that no attempt was made to drive to the courthouse.

Inmates at Lauderdale County Detention Center told investigators that the two had a "special relationship," and the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that through "independent sources and means," authorities said.

A warrant was issued for Vicky White's arrest Monday on a charge of permitting or facilitating an escape after investigators determined she helped Casey White. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said Monday it was unclear if she was coerced or a voluntary participant.

Both Vicky White and Casey White are believed to be armed. Authorities found Vicky White's department-issued radio as well as Casey White's leg shackles and handcuffs, officials told WAFF.

Casey White is serving 75 years in Alabama state prison for several convictions, according to Alabama Department of Corrections records, and was in Lauderdale County Jail awaiting court appearances for murder charges in the case the 2015 killing of Connie Ridgeway, which he confessed to in 2020.

Singleton described Casey White as extremely dangerous and warned law enforcement agencies across the country to be cautious in dealing with him. Neither should be approached if they are spotted, U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said. Instead, people should call 911 to report a sighting of either.

Keely also said Casey White might have changed his clothes or appearance, and emphasized his large stature at 6-foot-9.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced Sunday a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of either Casey White or Vicky White.