Montesano, WA – A man who escaped from the Grays Harbor Jail is being searched for by law enforcement.

The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office tells KXRO that Wednesday at about 3:00 p.m. the Grays Harbor County jail discovered that inmate James Bartholomew had escaped.  

They say that Bartholomew was a kitchen trustee in the jail.  

“An investigation was started and it was determined that Bartholomew hid in a large garbage can and was taken to the outside garbage by another trustee who conspired to help him escape.”  

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Bartholomew waited for a short time before he left the area on foot.  

They say that Bartholomew was getting ready to plea to a drug and a weapon offense and was facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant on Bartholomew for Escape 2nd

Batholomew is a 5’10”, 147 pound, 40 year old male with hazel eyes and brown hair.  

The Sheriff’s Office says they are working with area law enforcement and the United States Marshals Task Force to locate and arrest Bartholomew.  

They say the inmate that assisted Bartholomew will be booked on escape charges for assisting Bartholomew, and anyone who harbors or helps him could face criminal charges as well. 

The Sheriff’s Office says they will be reviewing the incident and making any changes needed to make sure this type of incident does not happen again.  

They say that if anyone sees Bartholomew please do not approach or contact him, instead call 911 to report his location.

If anyone has information on his possible whereabouts, call the dispatch non-emergency number 360-533-8765 or you can contact Detective Jeremy Holmes at 360-249-3711.