An escaped armed robbery convict was found Friday morning hiding in a Millen home where some of his relatives live.

Michael Middleton, 24, of Waynesboro, was sentenced in Jenkins County Superior Court Wednesday regarding a convenience store armed robbery. He escaped from Jenkins County Jail staff later that night as they prepared to return him to state prison, Jenkins County Sheriff Robert Oglesby said.

Middleton was apprehended without incident at a Gay Street residence around 5:50 a.m. Friday "in the back bedroom of a house (occupied) by several of his family members."

He surrendered without incident after being found,. The U.S. Marshals Southeastern Fugitive Task Force and Millen police assisted in the capture.

Middleton escaped from Jenkins County jail staff around 10 p.m. Wednesday. He was in jail custody for purposes of attending a sentencing hearing, where Superior Court Judge John R. Turner sentenced him to 12 years in prison and three years probation for two counts of armed robbery, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Keith McIntyre said.

Middleton was convicted in an April 2012 armed robbery of a convenience store in Millen. He and another man robbed the store clerk and a customer at gunpoint, McIntyre said.
Middleton was also involved in a June 2012 armed robbery in Wadley in Jefferson County. He testified for the state in that case, McIntyre said.

Oglesby said the investigation regarding Middleton's escape and refuge in the Gay Street home is still under investigation, and others might be charged. Middleton was charged with escape.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.