Manhunt continues for escaped Crockett County Jail inmate

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Gerald Pete Samples remains at large following his escape from the Crockett County Jail on Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

Samples, 59, escaped custody around 4:41 a.m. Wednesday using a Crockett County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. The vehicle was later located on Bruce Hardaway Rd in Gibson County. Samples is a white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 207 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt and brown pants.

Samples was being held on a Circuit Court violation since August 9, 2025, and was awaiting extradition to Virginia, where he faces felony charges for solicitation of a child 15 years or younger by electronic means from July 2024. He has a prior history of escape, having fled custody in 2020.

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At this time, there is no reason to believe Samples is armed, but authorities encourage everyone to remain alert and secure their homes and vehicles. His successful capture and apprehension remains the top priority for authorities.

Anyone with leads regarding his whereabouts can call 731-696-2104. Anyone who sees Samples should call 911 immediately.

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