Minimum Security Inmate Missing From Transitional Housing Unit

(Concord, NH) A minimum security inmate from the North End Transitional Housing Unit in Concord was placed on walkaway status after he failed to report in at the scheduled time. James Lewis Merkle, 54,of Keene, was given permission to go job hunting at approximately 10:00 a.m. on August 5, 2009. He was ordered to report in at 12:00 pm and again at 2:00 pm and he failed to do so.

Inmate Merkle is a white male, 5 foot 8 inches tall, 250 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo on his upper right arm and several scars on his hands and arms.

He is currently serving a 2 1/2 - 6 year sentence for burglary out of Cheshire County Superior Court. He was admitted to prison on September 13, 2006 and was eligible for parole on March 10, 2009. He will reach his maximum sentence on September 10, 2012.

Procedures geared toward apprehension have been implemented. Anyone with information on his whereabouts are urged to call local law enforcement officials or the New Hampshire State Police.

APPREHENDED AUGUST 6, 2009