Kentucky State Police Actively Searching For Escaped Inmates from Bell County Forestry Camp

PINEVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2025)  – On Monday, August 25, 2025, at approximately 8:53 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 10, Harlan, was notified by the Bell County Forestry Camp that two inmates had escaped from the facility.

The escaped inmates have been identified as:

Billy Wayne Potter

• Age: 32
• Race: White
• Sex: Male
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 239 lbs
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Hazel
• Charges:

• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Offense
• Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree – Methamphetamine
• Bail Jumping
• Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree – 2nd or Greater Offense (Drug Unspecified)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Fleeing and Evading Police, 1st Degree (SKY CT 24)
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree

Mr. Potter was last seen wearing khaki pants, white short-sleeve T-shirt, a khaki baseball cap, and black boots.

Steven Lee Spencer

• Age: 22
• Race: White
• Sex: Male
• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 132 lbs
• Hair: Brown (recently shaved head)
• Eyes: Brown

          Charges:

• Receiving Stolen Property ($10,000 or more)
• Theft by Unlawful Taking ($1,000 < $10,000)
• Receiving Stolen Property ($10,000 or more)
• Fleeing and Evading Police, 1st Degree (motor vehicle)
• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree

Mr. Spencer was last seen wearing white tennis shoes, gray sweatshirt and sweatpants, with a khaki toboggan.

The Kentucky State Police is actively working with local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend both escapees. The public is urged not to approach these individuals. If you have any information regarding their whereabouts, please contact KSP Post 10 in Harlan at 606-573-3131 or dial 911 immediately

# # #