Inmate who escaped from Lake County Jail may have had help

richard_n_campos1.jpg

Richard N. Campos | Lake County sheriff’s office

A 22-year-old inmate escaped from the a jail Saturday afternoon in northwest Indiana, and authorities believe he had help.

Richard N. Campos, 22, was last seen working as a trustee assigned to laundry detail at the Lake County Jail complex in Crown Point, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

Authorities believe the escape was planned in advance and that Campos had assistance from his girlfriend, 20-year-old Elysia Marie Jeronimo of Hammond.

Campos, a member of the Latin Kings, was arrested April 25 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and also on active warrants from Whiting and Hammond, according to the sheriff’s office.

He is described as 5-foot-3 and 135 pounds, with a tattoo of a rose/diamond on his left hand. Jeronimo is described as 5-foot-1 and 140 pounds.

The escape is under investigation, but the sheriff’s office said human error may have occurred.

Anyone with information about Campos’s or Jeronimo’s whereabouts should call the sheriff’s office at (219) 755-3400. Anonymous tips can be submitted at (800) 750-2746.

Elysia M. Jeronimo | Lake County sheriff’s office

Elysia M. Jeronimo | Lake County sheriff’s office

The Latest
Taking away guns from people served with domestic violence orders of protection would be a lot of work. “There aren’t enough sworn officers to carry out what’s being asked here,” Pritzker said.
Previously struggling to keep its doors open, the Buena Park establishment received a boost from the popular TikToker.
Bagent also said the negative publicity about teammate Caleb Williams leading to the draft has turned out to be “completely false.”
Deputy Sean Grayson has been fired and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Massey, who had called 911 to report a possible prowler. He has pleaded not guilty. The family says the Department of Justice is investigating.
Here’s how Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Convention are embracing Charli XCX’s social media post that sparked a cultural movement.