Montgomery, AL--On October 16, 2012, James Whitaker, 59, of Prattville, Alabama, pled guilty to one count of participating in an act which affected a personal financial interest, announced United States Attorney, George L. Beck, Jr.

            Whitaker was an employee of the Air Force Legal Operating Agency.  As an employee, Whitaker directed those attending courses held on Maxwell Air Force Base to stay at the Renaissance Hotel, in Montgomery, Alabama, instead of staying on Base or at other approved housing.  Whitaker arranged for the attendees to stay at the Renaissance, a Marriott Hotel, in order for Whitaker to personally receive Marriott Rewards Points.  From January 27, 2011, until June 23, 2011, Whitaker personally received 100,000 Marriott Rewards Points, which according to Marriott International has a value of $1,250.00.

ELMORE CO., AL (WSFA) - Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin says authorities are searching for two men who escaped from the Elmore County Jail Monday night.

Authorities say the two inmates, 40-year-old Jamie Morgan and 33-year-old Jeremy Hadden, were in their cell at a check at 9:03 p.m. The two managed to escape some time before the next check at 10 p.m. Sheriff Franklin said the building was compromised at that time but could provide no additional details regarding the escape.

Morgan, from Montgomery, had been in the Elmore County Jail for 51 days charged with six counts of second-degree theft of property. Hadden, from Mobile, had been serving in the Elmore County Jail for 224 days for prior escape charges as well as two counts of theft of property first-degree.

Alabama Department of Corrections tracking dogs have been called in to assist in the search. It is believed the escapees traveled by foot approximately one mile north on 231 at the wood line.

ELMORE CO., AL (WSFA) - Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is asking for help in locating 54-year-old Winston Lucas.

Lucas is wanted out of Elmore County on charges of sexual abuse of a child less than 12, violation of the community notification act and failure to register as a sex offender.

Lucas is a black male, approximately 5'8", 160 lbs.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts you are asked to contact Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.