Manhunt continues for Tenn. inmate as TBI follows leads in Wisconsin bank robbery

LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WMC) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it is aware of a report from Wisconsin, where a man robbed a Deerfield bank at gunpoint Tuesday, as the manhunt continues for escaped inmate Jacob Allen Morley.

Authorities in Dane County say the robbery happened at the Bank of Deerfield on Shaul Lane shortly before closing. A gunman walked in, demanded money, restrained two employees and fled with cash. No injuries were reported.

Investigators say the gunman stole a Lincoln MKZ from the lot to get away. That car was later found unoccupied on State Farm Road. Wisconsin investigators ask anyone with tips to call (608) 255-2345.

TBI says that they are aware of the Wisconsin robbery, but has not confirmed a link to Morley.

They are currently working to pursue all potential leads.

Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County early Monday, stealing a white 2008 Ford F-350 marked with Lindamood Planting Company. That truck was found abandoned early Tuesday in Marion, Illinois, where police say there is no evidence he is still in the area.

Morley was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield in Carter County.

The U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, Tyreece Miller, is asking the public to help, saying Morley’s sentence isn’t going away. The reward for information leading to his arrest is now $15,000.

Friends of Birchfield have warned the public as the search continues, saying: “He’s a monster. He will do it again.”

Morley is on the Tennessee Most Wanted list and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately. If you see him, do not approach — call 911.

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