Man who escaped from prison in 1981 is arrested

A Georgia fugitive is facing extradition after he was discovered living in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.

After almost 34 years on the lam, Austin’s holiday ended Wednesday with his arrest in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., by the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.

“Lo and behold, the guy matched the picture – obviously 30 years older – of Mr. Austin”, Golden said.

Authorities say the 60-year-old man was serving a 15-year sentence for armed robbery after being convicted in Muscogee County, Ga.

Austin was being held at the Broward jail early Friday and later stood before a judge with an attorney. He busted out on December 27, 1981.

His sentence date was April 8, 1977, and his original maximum release date was February 24, 1992, Hogan wrote.

He had been granted a Christmas pass, allowing him to leave for the holiday, she said.

Officials say investigators recently looked into the case and found a possible alias identity for Austin.

Since its inception in 2003, investigations carried out by the SERFTF have resulted in the apprehension of more than 20,000 violent fugitives in the state of Georgia.