Inmate From IE Escapes State Custody, Search Continues

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A prison inmate who was convicted of felony assault in the Inland Empire escaped last week from the state facility where he was being held and remained at large Monday.

Francisco Cervantes, 41, walked away from the Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp in Los Angeles County and was discovered missing at about 8 a.m. May 9, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesperson Mary Xjimenez.

CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search.

Cervantes is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 194 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing an orange prison shirt and orange pants with black boots, though CDCR officials say he could be outfitted in gray clothing with white tennis shoes.

Cervantes was most recently received into the state prison system on May 21, 2024, following his conviction in San Bernardino County. He was sentenced to five years, eight months for assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Anyone who sees Cervantes or has knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact any law enforcement agency, or 9-1-1, or contact Special Agent Lomer 909-285-8738.