29-year fugitive from Hamilton County nabbed in New York

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May 5, 2009

29-year fugitive from Hamilton County nabbed in New York

The Chattanoogan reports that a man who escaped prison in 1980 has avoided capture until, well, now:

Robert Henry, who is now 62, said he has not gotten into any trouble during his 29 years on the lam, according to the Troy Record newspaper.
He told a reporter, "I'm a Christian. I go to church. I've had no problem with the law whatsoever."

Henry also claimed to have been pardoned by former Gov. Ray Blanton.

He was convicted of robbery in Hamilton County and had served three years of a sentence of 10 to 15 years when he escaped.

Pardoned by former Gov. Blanton? Would that even count, if true? (If you didn't know or remember, Blanton was convicted of selling pardons, among other offenses. I'm not implying that Robert Henry's pardon was one of those paid for, but still....)

The trail of trouble left by a corrupt politician can be quite long, indeed. With a new governor to be elected next year, this is a timely, if oblique, reminder for us to make sure we pick one who will deserve our trust.