BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX – Robert Yancy Jr., a 39-year-old sex offender serving a life sentence, has been recaptured in Matagorda County, Texas, following his escape from prison with alleged assistance from his mother.
Yancy Jr. was initially serving a life sentence for the continuous aggravated sexual assault of a 7-year-old child in Victoria County. His escape from the Clemens Unit in Brazoria County was reported by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He was believed to have left the prison on Sunday at around 3:30 p.m. in a 2021 White Nissan Versa, wearing mostly black clothing, including a black beanie and sweater.
A breakthrough in the case occurred when a Brazoria sheriff’s deputy spotted the Nissan and checked its license plate, revealing its connection to Victoria County. While Robert Yancy Jr. was not found in the vehicle initially, his mother, Leonor Priestle, was identified as the driver. Following this lead, officers eventually located and apprehended Yancy Jr.
As a result of the escape, Yancy Jr. now faces new felony escape charges. His mother, Priestle, also encounters legal challenges due to her alleged involvement in aiding his escape.