An escapee was getting ready to start his new job in Hernando County when he was arrested in Brookridge.
By DUANE BOURNE
Published March 19, 2004
BROOKRIDGE - A 38-year-old fugitive who escaped from a work release program in Michigan more than five years ago was captured in Hernando County on Wednesday.
Michael D. Crampton, who was listed as one of Michigan's most wanted escapees, was taken into custody about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at 15046 Brookridge Blvd., court records indicated.
His arrest came after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received information from the Michigan State Police's fugitive team that Crampton may be staying at a mobile home in the Brookridge subdivision.
On Thursday, it was uncertain if Crampton was related to the home's owner.
Upon his arrest, Crampton told authorities that he was visiting the area for the weekend.
Tim Pope of FLDE's Brooksville field office said Crampton has lived in Tennessee and was planning a move into the area after finding a job.
"He was supposed to be starting the job today," Pope added. "Obviously, he did not make it."
According to the Michigan Department of Corrections' Web site, Crampton escaped from the community residential program in Calhoun County on Sept. 4, 1998.
In 1994, Crampton was convicted of passing forged checks and unlawfully driving away an automobile. He was serving a 5- to 15-year prison sentence and was set for early release in August 2005, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
- Duane Bourne can be reached at 352 754-6114. Send e-mail to dbourne@sptimes.com
