An incarcerated man who walked away from a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) fire camp earlier this month remains at large after being released by Mexican authorities.
According to CDCR, 49-year-old Miguel Banuelos was taken into custody in Tijuana, Mexico, on July 6—just two days after walking away from Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in Nevada County. However, after appearing before a magistrate, he was released on July 10 despite an outstanding California warrant.
Banuelos left the conservation camp on July 4. CDCR said he is serving a seven-year prison sentence out of San Diego County for transportation or sale of a controlled substance and possession or purchase of more than four kilograms of heroin or cocaine. He had been scheduled for release in April 2028.
Authorities are asking anyone who sees Banuelos or has information about his whereabouts to contact 911 or the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Tips may also be provided to CDCR Office of Correctional Safety Special Agent Tim Keeney at (916) 210-9159.
CDCR noted that since 1977, 99 percent of people who have escaped or walked away from an adult institution, conservation camp, or community-based program have ultimately been apprehended.
