The second inmate who escaped from the Brown County, Ohio, jail earlier this month has been captured after a week-long manhunt that crossed state lines. Authorities say two people accused of helping him are now facing charges.
Investigators report that Jerry Cooper, who was being held on attempted murder charges, was arrested late Monday night in Louisville. According to online court records, he is now being housed at the Oldham County Detention Center in La Grange, is listed as being in federal custody.
The escape began on Monday, Sept. 15, when Cooper and fellow inmate Roy Butler broke through a window at the Brown County Jail and climbed over a fence.
Deputies say the two men crossed the Ohio River in a stolen paddleboat and made their way into Dover, Kentucky, before splitting up. Butler, who had been jailed on drug trafficking charges, was found the following day. Cooper remained on the run for a week.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Cooper’s arrest in Louisville, saying he was taken there with the help of Marlana and William Strausbaugh of Mason County. Both were arrested and charged with hindering prosecution or apprehension, 2nd Degree, and complicity to escape, 2nd Degree. Authorities said they may also face additional federal charges.
Court documents allege that Cooper was at the Strausbaugh residence earlier the same day he was captured. Investigators say Marlana provided food, allowed Cooper to shave his head, and later, along with William, gave him a ride to Louisville.
The sheriff’s office said the case involved cooperation from a long list of agencies, including the FBI, Kentucky State Police, Maysville Police Department, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, sheriff’s offices in Lewis, Bracken, Boone, Fleming, Campbell, and Brown counties, the Augusta and Brooksville police departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and multiple fire departments and dispatch centers. Officials also thanked Emergency Management Director Tony Liess, Constable Joe Collins, the Pumpelly family, and numerous citizens and organizations who donated equipment and food during the search.
Sources report that Marlana Strausbaugh is a former resident of Adams County.
