Long-time prison escapees found this morning

At least three prison escapees were apprehended this morning by as part of the state’s “Clean Sweep” operation aimed at capturing men and women across the state who had escaped from prison, most while performing community service.

Two other escapees were apprehended in other states and have not yet been extradited, according to a Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) spokesperson.

“This effort is really aimed at those escapees who have been out for a number of years,” said George Little, TDOC commissioner.

Little said “Clean Sweep” has been an ongoing effort and periodically the department has made “pushes” to apprehend escapees. Currently there are 45 prison escapees, down from 54 most recently.

This morning’s roundup included Helen Lawler, 72, an escapee from Memphis Community Service Center since 1981, Billy Lovingood, 49, an escapee from the Knoxville Community Serve Center in 1984 and James McGaha, 55, an escapee from the Middle Tennessee Reception Center in 1974.

More arrests are expected later today, according to TDOC officials.