A Connecticut man who escaped from a Georgia prison 48 years ago could live the rest of his life in prison, according to WFSB News. Robert Stackowitz, 71, appeared in court for an extradition hearing Tuesday in Danbury.
In May, U.S. Marshals arrested Stackowitz, who they say has spent the past 48 years on the lam, living under an assumed name, Bob Gordon. Marshals arrested Stackowitz in Sherman at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 9, 2016, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Stackowitz was serving a 17-year sentence for robbery by force when he escaped from the Carroll County Correctional Institution on August 22, 1968. He had been convicted in Henry County in 1966.
According to news reports, Stackowitz was caught when he used his real name when applying for social security benefits. The Georgia Department of Corrections' Fugitive Apprehension unit reopened his case about five months ago and began an investigation which ultimately led Marshals to his location in Connecticut, the department said. Authorities say Stackowitz was arrested without incident.
"He was a little speechless," state trooper Michael Saraceno told The News-Times in Danbury, Connecticut. "I think it's been so long that I think he reached a point in his head where he thought they would never find him."
Stackowitz was being held in lieu of $75,000 bail but today was given 30 more days to try to keep him in Connecticut, WFSB reported. His attorney Norm Pattis is pushing to keep him in Connecticut due to health concerns. Stackowitz is next due in court on Sept. 26, 2016.