A “model prisoner” escaped jail Saturday while he was delivering meals to other inmates, authorities said.

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Andrew J. Viles, 34, walked out of the jail around 4:30 p.m., the Chicago Tribune reported. He was wearing a dark coat, light-colored blue jeans and dark shoes. It is unclear how he got a change of clothes.

Viles was jailed June 1 for burglary and violating parole for a burglary conviction but had earned the trust of those who oversaw him, the Tribune reported.

"Viles had been a model inmate," the Grundy County Sheriff's Office told the Tribune. "He had earned the role of jail trustee within the facility. This trustee role allowed him certain privileges, including assisting with meal service."

He was apprehended Sunday and taken back into custody.

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

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