A federal grand jury has indicted Eric Pree, 55, from San Francisco, on charges of escaping custody. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the indictment following Pree's arrest after nearly eight years on the run.
Court documents reveal that in 2012, Pree was convicted of federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, receiving a sentence of 101 months at the U.S. Penitentiary Atwater. On January 29, 2017, he was reported missing from the facility without permission and remained at large until his capture.
In October 2024, investigators apprehended Pree in Walnut Creek. At the time of his arrest, he possessed several cellphones, ID cards, debit and credit cards under various names, multiple driver’s licenses, and a fake Harvard University Student ID. He is now back in federal custody to complete his original sentence while facing new charges for escape.
The investigation leading to Pree's arrest was conducted by the Department of State and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is handling the prosecution.
If found guilty of escape from custody, Pree could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The court will determine any sentence based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines after considering various variables. It is important to note that these charges are allegations; Pree is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.