Car thief and Greene County jail escapee receives 25 years in prison

A plea agreement with federal prosecutors places a Greene County jail escapee behind bars for 25 years.

A statement from the US Attorney’s Office said Joseph Dale Hale, 31, stole a car in Greeneville in July 2021 and fired shots at a pursuing officer before his capture and arrest later that day.

State investigators testified Hale received help in October from another inmate by obtaining a trustee’s uniform. Hale then used a ruse to be taken from his cell to a shower room, gained access at two security doors then fled the jail.

Hale was captured that day when he crashed a stolen vehicle.

(Photo: Bristol Broadcasting Co News Archives)