Missing reentry center inmate found in stolen car
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IDAHO FALLS — Authorities say they found an inmate who allegedly walked away from the Idaho Falls Community Reentry Center in a stolen car and with marijuana.
On Nov. 21, the Idaho Department of Correction asked the public to help find Jesus Manuel Perez, 26, after saying he left the minimum-custody prison facility. Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies found Perez on Wednesday at Snake River Landing in a stolen 2017 Hyundai Elantra, according to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com.
Investigators found Perez at Snake River Landing shortly after noon. Deputies saw Perez pull up in the red sedan and questioned him.
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Perez told deputies there was marijuana inside the center console of the car but did not want to talk about the stolen car. Deputies weighed out 19 grams of the controlled substance.
Before Perez allegedly walked away from the Reentry Center, he was to be released on parole pending his completion of programming. His sentence was scheduled to be completed on June 30, 2022.
Perez’s record includes a conviction for possession of a controlled substance in Bannock County and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in Bingham County.
He remains held in the Bonneville County Jail and is charged with felony grand theft and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. His bail is set at $20,000, but if posted, he will likely be returned to IDOC custody.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11.
Although Perez is charged with these recent crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.