U.S. Marshals Add Sweat and Matt to "15 Most Wanted" Fugitives List

The U.S. Marshals Service has added David Sweat and Richard Matt to its 15 Most Wanted fugitives list.

Sweat was serving a life sentence at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora NY for the murder of a Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy in July 2002. Matt was serving a sentence of 25 years to life for the murder of a man he beat and dismembered in December 1997.

• SEE: State Police Widen Search for Escaped Cons

“The agency’s 15 Most Wanted Fugitive list is reserved for the worst of the worst,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton. “There is no question David Sweat and Richard Matt fall into this category. While their brazen prison escape has left the public on edge, it has only ignited our sheer determination to bring them back to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners, the Marshals will work tirelessly to ensure the threat they pose and their run from the law is short lived.”

For each escapee, the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading directly to his apprehension.

“We are absolute in our commitment to apprehend these dangerous escapees and will leave no stone unturned with the help of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners during this fugitive investigation,” said Northern District of New York U.S. Marshal David L. McNulty. “Sweat and Matt have violent criminal histories and pose a significant threat to anyone who may come in contact with them.”

The State of New York is also offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of inmates Matt and Sweat.