One of three men who committed two kidnappings in Bryan County has escaped from jail, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark F. Giuliano. The fugitive, Cecil “Red” Dewitt Nelson, escaped Saturday night from the Emanuel County jail in Swainsboro. The FBI requests the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending Nelson, and a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered.

Nelson, 33, is 5-foot, 11-inches tall and weighs 245 pounds. He pleaded guilty Aug. 16 to one count of conspiracy to kidnap.

Together with Gary McDonald, who pleaded guilty July 26, and Antonio Lamont Murray, who was convicted Aug. 22, Nelson committed two separate kidnappings in Bryan County in December 2011 and January 2012 in which both victims were forcibly abducted at gunpoint and later released after ransoms were paid.

Nelson is from the Pembroke area, and authorities suspect he has returned.

Anyone with information regarding Nelson’s whereabouts should call either the local FBI office at 912-232-3716  or Savannah Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020.