Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Escaping Custody During Furlough

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A 46-year-old Tallahassee man, Derek Somerset, has been sentenced to an additional two years in federal prison for escaping custody while on furlough from the Federal Correctional Institute at Hazelton. Somerset was already serving a 48-month sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon when he failed to report to a residential re-entry facility in Tallahassee, prompting a joint investigation by local and federal law enforcement that led to his apprehension two months later.

Why it matters

This case underscores the challenges in monitoring individuals released on furlough, even for short periods, as part of efforts to facilitate a smoother transition back into society. It raises questions about potential vulnerabilities in the furlough process and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety within the federal prison system.

The details

Somerset's escape prompted a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. He was apprehended approximately two months later in a motel parking lot and subsequently pleaded guilty to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General and their authorized representative.

• On October 15, 2024, Somerset failed to report to a residential re-entry facility in Tallahassee after being furloughed from the Federal Correctional Institute at Hazelton.
• Two months later, Somerset was apprehended in a motel parking lot.

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida will continue to prosecute cases involving escapes from federal custody, signaling a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the correctional system.