Authorities in Arkansas are still looking for a prison escapee named Hugo Campagne, who slipped away from custody years ago and remains uncaught.
Campagne, a Caucasian man standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 245 pounds at the time of his escape, broke out of a state facility on March 3, 2001. Now in his late 50s, he was serving a sentence for serious drug-related crimes when he escaped, leaving law enforcement searching for answers.
Hugo Campagne was locked up for manufacturing, delivering, and possessing illegal drugs--offenses that carried a heavy penalty. Court records show he was tied to a drug operation before his arrest, though details about the scale of his crimes remain limited.
At the time of his escape, he had a noticeable tattoo on his left chest featuring praying hands, a cross, and a personal message, which might still help identify him today.
His last known address was in Arkansas, but officials doubt he’s stayed close to home. The only photo released of Hugo Campagne dates back to January 2000, over a year before he vanished. Given the decades that have passed, his appearance—once marked by a stocky build and that unique tattoo—could have changed significantly.
The Arkansas Escape Alert System continues to list Hugo Campagne among its long-term fugitives.
“We’re still looking for him, no matter how much time has gone by,” a state corrections spokesperson said. “He could be hiding anywhere, and we need the public’s eyes to help track him down.”
No recent leads have surfaced, but authorities remain hopeful.
Cases like Hugo Campagne’s are unusual--most escapees are caught within weeks or months, not years. Experts suggest he might be using a fake identity or relying on others to avoid capture. Whether he’s still in Arkansas, elsewhere in the country, or even abroad is anyone’s guess.
If you see a tall, heavy-set man with a faded tattoo resembling praying hands and a cross, don’t take chances--call the police right away.
Hugo Campagne’s drug-related past hints he could be dangerous, and after so long on the run, his next move is impossible to predict.
