Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Conviction for Escaping from Federal Custody

PORTLAND, Ore.-A Washington state man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday after a jury found him guilty of escape after failing to report to the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center (NWRRC) in Portland.

Brandon Charles Nelson, 40, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Nelson was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 36 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. On Feb. 25, 2025, after violating his release conditions for a third time, Nelson's supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 18 months of supervised release. While in custody at Victorville Federal Corrections Institute (FCI), Nelson met criteria for placement in a residential re-entry center and was referred to the NWRRC. Rather than report as required, Nelson absconded. The USMS arrested him on Dec. 5, 2025.

On Dec. 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Nelson with escape from custody.

On Feb. 25, 2026, following a two-day trial, a jury convicted Nelson with one count of escape from custody.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The USMS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.