LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation today circulated a photo of a man who walked away last month from a Los Angeles facility, where he was serving out the last months of a grand theft sentence.
Anyone who sees Richard Ledesma, 36, or has any knowledge of his whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement or call 911, according to CDCR officials.
On Feb. 12 around 9:15 p.m., it was determined that Ledesma had left the Male Community Reentry Program facility without authorization, and an emergency search was initiated by agents from CDCR's Office of Correctional Safety. Local law enforcement agencies were also notified.
Ledesma, who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds, was serving a two-year, eight-month “second strike'' sentence for grand theft and arrived at the reentry facility on Nov. 30. He was scheduled for release from CDCR custody in November.
The MCRP allows eligible offenders committed to state prison to serve the end of their sentences in the reentry center and provides them the programs and tools necessary to transition from custody to the community. It is a voluntary program for male offenders who have approximately one year left to serve.
Since 1977, 99% of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission have been apprehended, according to CDCR officials.
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Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation