Oklahoma authorities recapture escaped inmate Robey Butler

Butler walked away from a correctional facility in McAlester on February 18th.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) announced on Monday that authorities, after a coordinated manhunt, successfully captured Robey Butler at 9:25 a.m. after he walked away from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester on February 18th.

Why it matters

Inmate escapes from correctional facilities are a serious concern for public safety, and the successful recapture of Butler helps restore confidence in the state's ability to maintain control over its prison population.

The details

Butler, who was serving time at the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester, walked away from the facility on February 18th. ODOC launched a coordinated manhunt to locate and apprehend Butler, which culminated in his capture on Monday morning.

  • Butler walked away from the correctional facility on February 18, 2026.
  • Authorities recaptured Butler at 9:25 a.m. on March 2, 2026.

The players

Robey Butler

An inmate who walked away from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester, Oklahoma on February 18, 2026.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC)

The state agency responsible for the correctional facilities in Oklahoma, which coordinated the manhunt and recapture of the escaped inmate Robey Butler.

Jackie Brannon Correctional Center

The correctional facility in McAlester, Oklahoma from which inmate Robey Butler escaped on February 18, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining strong security protocols and emergency response procedures within the state's correctional system to prevent and quickly address any future inmate escapes.