NEVADA COUNTY, CA – An inmate who escaped a California prison conservation camp near Lake Tahoe over the Fourth of July weekend has been apprehended in Mexico, state officials announced.
The Escape and International Capture
Miguel Banuelos, 49, walked away from the Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in Nevada County on July 4. Following a two-day search, Mexican authorities—working alongside U.S. officials—located and arrested Banuelos at a residence in Tijuana, Mexico, at 11:20 a.m. on Monday.
Officials have not yet disclosed how Banuelos managed to travel the 600-mile distance from Northern California to the international border in such a short timeframe.
Next Steps and Additional Charges
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) confirmed that Banuelos will face an immigration judge before being processed back through a port of entry.
- Rehousing: He will be placed back into a high-security CDCR institution.
- Legal Action: His case is being referred to the Nevada County District Attorney, where he faces potential felony escape charges.
Original Sentence
Banuelos was originally sentenced in San Diego County to seven years in state prison for the transportation and sale of controlled substances, as well as the possession of more than 4 kilograms of heroin or cocaine. Prior to his escape, his scheduled release date was April 20, 2028.
