Reward for information on escapees increased

Curry County Crime Stoppers has increased rewards it is offering for information leading to the arrests of five escaped inmates.

District Attorney Matt Chandler said callers can remain anonymous.

Here are the rewards:

• Edward Salas, up to $3,000

• Larry McClendon Jr., up to $2,500

• Michael England, up to $1,500

• Victor Sotelo, up to $1,000

• Luis Chavez, up to $1,000

The five remain at large after escaping from the maximum security pod at the Curry County Adult Detention Center on Sunday night.

Officials have said they shimmied up pipes and jumped off the roof into an evergreen tree.

Chandler said the television show “America’s Most Wanted” on Saturday plans to feature the story of Salas, who is a convicted murderer.

The show will discuss the escape in an effort to assist in capturing the fugitives, he said.

Information about the suspects has already been listed on AMW’s web site — www.amw.com — where millions of people visit, Chandler said.

Producers and film crews are traveling to the area this week to prepare the show, he said.

Curry County Sheriff Matt Murray said officials have received about 50 telephone tips and the case is being broadcast nationwide both through law enforcement channels and media coverage.

Chandler put out a call to the media to continue circulating the five escapees’ photos.

“We do believe that the tips are coming in (because of news coverage),” he said.

• Curry County Crime Stoppers 763-7000