News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan, September 20, 2006 - At approximately 10:00 p.m. today, a count of inmates at Riverbend Institution revealed one inmate to be missing. An immediate search of the facility and grounds was conducted but failed to locate the inmate. Both RCMP and City Police were notified. The inmate was last seen during the institution's 8:00 p.m. formal count this evening.

The missing inmate is Mathew Funk, 34 years old, serving a three-year, ten-month sentence for a variety of offences including possession of a schedule II/VII, substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a schedule I/II, substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2). His sentence commenced on June 20, 2006 and was due to expire on April 19, 2010. His statutory release date is January 8, 2009. He is 178 cm (5'10") tall and weighs 94 kg (207 lbs). He has a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the above offender is asked to contact their local Police Agency.

Riverbend Institution is a minimum-security institution that accommodates 126 inmates. This has been the fifth escape from this facility this fiscal year. (April 1 to March 31) Last year there were no escapes.

Minimum security offenders are those who are rated as low escape risks, low risk to the public in the event of an escape and display progress in dealing with identified problem areas through correctional plan participation.

The Correctional Service Canada will be conducting a complete investigation surrounding circumstances of this escape.

- 30 -

For more information, media representatives may contact:

Glen Beatty, Warden or
Wanita Koczka, A/Deputy Warden
Riverbend Institution
Tel: (306) 765-8200