Escaped Convict Found in Santa Monica Pleads Not Guilty

A convicted burglar who was captured in Santa Monica three weeks after walking away from jail pleaded not guilty today to a felony count of escape.

Christopher Lee Brown, subject of a $20,000 reward, was recaptured by Santa Monica police about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, sheriff's Lt. David Oliva said.

Brown, 37, was seen outside the Pico Youth and Family Center near Pico and Lincoln boulevards, he said.

The Alhambra man escaped March 12 from the downtown Inmate Reception Center,  hours after being sentenced to four years and eight months behind bars. He was convicted March 6 on two counts of second-degree commercial burglary and one count of receiving stolen property.

Brown broke into the AHMC Healthcare facility in Alhambra in October and December and stole two computers and three flash drives, Deputy District Attorney David Eng said after the verdict.

As a result of the thefts, 729,000 patients' identifying information, as well as financial and credit information was jeopardized, according to the District Attorney's Office.

About two weeks after Brown escaped, the county Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Tony Bell, a spokesman for Supervisor Michael Antonovich, said last week that the person who tipped police to Brown's whereabouts would likely get the reward, but must first file an application with the county.

"The reward played a vital role in the apprehension of this suspect," he said.

--City News Service