Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped Clinton Correctional Facility inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat. Both individuals are considered to be a danger to the public and anyone with possible information or with knowledge of unusual activity should immediately contact the State Police at 518-563-3761. As of Sunday afternoon, more than 250 law enforcement and corrections officials are actively searching for the inmates.

“Today we are asking for the help of the public as we continue our search to arrest these two individuals,” Governor Cuomo said. “They are convicted murderers and our first order of business is to ensure they don’t inflict any more pain on the community. We are urging anybody who sees them or knows anything that may assist our investigation to contact the State Police as soon as possible. With the public’s help, we will return these men to where they belong – behind bars.”

The Governor made the announcement earlier this afternoon on a conference call with New York State public safety officials providing an update to members of the media.

In total, $50,000 will be awarded for information directly leading to the apprehension and arrest of each inmate, Richard Matt and David Sweat.

As of Sunday afternoon:

· More than 250 law enforcement and corrections officials are actively engaged in the search, including more than 100 New York State Police investigative and specialty unit personnel.

· Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers are assisting to ensure a thorough grid search of the ground is completed.

· New York State Police are continuing coordinate with local, state and federal partners including the FBI and U.S. Marshals.

· The New York State Police aviation unit is assisting in the search from the air.

Matt and Sweat were first unaccounted for during a 5:30 a.m. bed check on Saturday, and executed an elaborate escape plan to penetrate the prison walls and security that includes cutting through metal pipes and walls using power tools. Governor Cuomo toured the escape route on Saturday afternoon; video and photos of the Governor’s tour are available here.

Information from the New York State Police describing the two fugitives is below.

Richard Matt, 48 years old, a white male, 6’ tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. He has tattoos on back “Mexico Forever”, a heart on his chest and left shoulder, and a marine corps insignia on his right shoulder.

David Sweat, 34 years old, white male, 5’11” tall, 165 pounds, brown hair and green eyes. He has tattoos on his left bicep and his right fingers.

Sweat is serving a sentence of life without parole following his conviction in Broome County for one count of Murder 1st Degree after he caused the death of a Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy on July 4, 2002. Sweat was transferred to Clinton Correctional on October 30, 2003.

Matt is serving a sentence of 25 years to life following his conviction in Niagara County for three counts of murder, three counts of kidnapping, and two counts of robbery after he kidnapped a male victim and caused his death by beating him on December 3, 1997. Matt was transferred to Clinton Correctional on July 10, 2008.

Both are considered to be a danger to the public. If located DO NOT approach them. Contact 911 or the New York State Police immediately at (518) 563-3761.

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