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Christopher Michael Holman, 34, who last lived in Imlay City, was on work release and failed to report to lockup after his Oct. 29 work shift. He was captured Nov. 25 by Madison Heights Police.

"He was a non-violent offender, and I think he thought we would just give up on him," said Lapeer County Sheriff's Lt. Duane Engelhardt. "That's not the case. Deputy Keith Merser would not give up. It's due to his persistence that Holman was returned. Deputy Mercer was always working on the escape."

His mug shot and escape story were featured in the Nov. 2 County Press. While out of jail, Holman altered his appearance by growing his hair long and increasing his facial hair.

Witnesses provided law enforcement with many tips to Holman's whereabouts. But police always seemed to be three steps behind him. Madison Heights Police finally nabbed the inmate and he was returned to jail.

Holman was originally fulfilling a jail term for an uttering and publishing conviction, and was due to be released in June. Conviction of escape while under a felony jail sentence is normally a four-year felony.

"He's now facing felony escape charges," Engelhardt said. "If convicted he could spend four years in a state prison, instead of jail. While he's here, he's also housed in the maximum security pod, instead of being on work release."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122, or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com.