*UPDATE* Two Individuals Confirmed Missing from the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution
Joe Lyons •
May 24, 2023
LIMA – The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and
Correction are investigating after two inmates, Bradley Gillespie, 50, and James Lee, 47
escaped from the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI) .
Yesterday, during a prisoner count at 11:00 a.m., ODRC officials determined Lee was
missing. Angela Stuff, AOCI warden, approved an emergency count of all prisoners in
the facility and escape posts were manned. During the emergency count, it was
discovered Gillespie was also missing. The ODRC notified law enforcement and officers
from multiple jurisdictions, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Patrol responded
to the facility.
During the course of the investigation, prison officials determined Gillespie and Lee
were last observed on surveillance video inside the facility at 8:41 a.m. on May 22.
The Patrol continues to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners
to investigate potential leads. The United States Marshal Service, Ohio State Highway
Patrol and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office are offering up to a $21,000 dollar reward
for information that leads to the capture of Gillespie and Lee. Anyone with information
is encouraged to contact the Findlay Patrol Post at 419 -423-1414 or the United States
Marshal Service at 1-866-4WANTED. If either escapee is located by the public, do not
approach them and contact 9-1-1 immediately.
ODRC is also conducting an internal investigation. Sheriff Matthew Treglia will provide
an update to the community at 6 a.m. on May 24 at the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Relevant updates will be provided on Twitter at @OSHP_NWOhio.
Officials at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correcti on have confirmed that two
individuals have escaped from the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI). Below
are the details regarding each individual who is confirmed missing.
Name: Bradley Gillespie
Number: 730242
Admission Date: 11/04/2016
County: Paulding
Crimes(s): Murder
DOB: 05/11/1973
Name: James Lee
Number 785575
Admission Date: 03/08/2021
County: Allen and Auglaize Counties
Crime(s) Burglary, B&E, Safecracking, Judicial Sanction
DOB: 02/17/1976
Officials at the prison are working closely with local law enforcement on searching for and
apprehending these individuals.
These individuals should be considered dangerous. Anyone who sees either of these
individuals or has any information regarding their whereabouts should call 911
immediately.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is on-site and leading the investigation.
