Violent sex offender escapes from Fort Worth halfway house

Authorities searched Wednesday for a 6 foot 6 violent sex offender who cut off his tracking device and left a halfway house near downtown Fort Worth.

Charles Sprague, 44, has served two prison sentences since 1991, one for aggravated sexual assault and one for aggravated kidnapping/sexual abuse, according to Department of Public Safety records.

Sprague must register as a sex offender for life and wear a 24-hour tracking device, the DPS said in a news release.

He registered with Fort Worth police and verified his residency at the halfway house at 600 N. Henderson St. on March 19. He cut off the monitor and left the house shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday, the news release said.

Sprague weighs about 240 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, dark jeans and white sneakers and was carrying a clear backpack.

Anyone who sees Sprague should not approach him, but call 911 or DPS communications at 214-861-2040 or 817-657-1999. — Domingo Ramirez Jr.

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Violent sex offender escapes from Fort Worth halfway house."