Sex Offender Escapes Custody In Newark: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A registered sex offender escaped from custody Thursday while en route to a Newark hospital, authorities said.

Nicholas Voutsas escaped from the state corrections department's medical-transport van around 9 a.m. Thursday, according to State Police. The van was traveling to University Hospital in Newark.

He was last seen by the hospital — near South Orange Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark — police said. During his escape, he was wearing a burgundy or maroon winter coat.

Voutsas, 25, is a Tier 2 (repetitive compulsive) registered sex offender. He was arrested May 9 in Middlesex County and charged with sexual contact with a child, luring or enticing a child, and failing to register as a sex offender.

Information on the prior conviction that made him a registered sex offender wasn't immediately available.

Voutsas has since been charged with escape.

Police described Voutsas as a white male who is 6 feet tall and 260 pounds.

Anyone with information that could help find him can contact the State Police Fugitive Unit Tipline at 1-800-437-7839 or email Fugitiveinformation@njsp.gov. Tips can be anonymous.

View the sharable Facebook post from State Police below: