Inmate walks away from federal prison camp in Atwater, say authorities

An inmate walked away Wednesday from a minimum security camp at U.S. Penitentiary Atwater in Merced County, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Inmate Julio Ruesga Barajas, 40, was discovered missing from the camp at about 3:30 p.m., according to a news release.

Authorities said Barajas is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes, 5-feet-6 inches tall and weighing about 165 pounds. An internal investigation was initiated and the United States Marshals Service as well as other law enforcement agencies were notified, according to the release.

Authorities said Barajas had been sentenced in the Northern District of Georgia to 270 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 500 grams of methamphetamine.

It’s not the first time an inmate has escaped from the prison’s camp, described in 2017 as dormitory-style housing with minimal perimeter fencing. According to the Sun-Star’s archive, at least 10 inmates have escaped from USP Atwater or its camp since 2011.

According to authorities, the prison camp houses 132 male offenders.

Anyone with information about this individual is asked to contact the United States Marshals Service at 559-487-5600, according to authorities.

This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 7:34 PM.