Inmate looking for a job fails to return to Lincoln facility, authorities say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Nebraska inmate escaped custody Tuesday, authorities say.

Cherelle Stabler was given permission to leave the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln to look for a job, but officials said she never came back.

She is 5-foot-8 and 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

The 38-year-old was serving a sentence for theft, evidence tampering, criminal possession of financial transaction devices, possession of meth with intent to deliver.

She was sentenced in Lancaster County in 2023 and had a tentative release date of Jan. 9, 2027.

The Community Corrections Center is a low-security facility where inmates can leave for work, school or religious services with prior approval.