© 2025 WNMU-FM
90.1 WNMU-FM / 91.9 Manistique / 96.5 Escanaba / 97.9 Stephenson
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support Today

Baraga Guard Arraigned in Connection with Prison Break

By Anthony Reynolds

L'Anse, MI – A preliminary examination has been scheduled for the woman authorities say played a key role in the escape of a prisoner from the Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility earlier this month. Investigators say 38-year-old corrections officer Jody Axely of Rockland allowed inmate Garfield Lawson III access to the prison loading dock, where food service worker Kathy Sleep hid him in a food cart and loaded it into a truck. Axely is charged with allowing a prisoner to escape--which carries a potential life sentence--and aiding a prisoner. A preliminary exam will be held August 30th in Baraga County District Court.