Sumter deputies searching for escaped inmate accused of shoplifting

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an inmate who escaped from the detention center Saturday night.

According to Maj. Randall Stewart, detention center staffed verified that Lance Michael Alberti escaped from the detention center Saturday night and was discovered missing during inmate accountability early Sunday morning.

Alberti was originally arrested and accused of giving a false name for a shoplifting offense Friday night. Stewart said his identity was verified during booking and that a hold was applied due to an outstanding warrant. He was also charged with providing false identity, Stewart added.

Alberti’s bond was denied Saturday pending the extradition process for his outstanding warrant.

Deputies used drones and K9s and v said Alberti made it through a wooded area behind the detention center. Tracking dogs found discarded items of his but were unable to locate him.

As of Sunday afternoon, the sheriff’s office has paused the search after information sugests Alberti has left the area, Stewart said.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis commend deputies and detention staff for their efforts this morning. He said given certain facts, the sheriff’s office believes residents in the area are not in danger.

The sheriff's office could not comment  on what he was on parole for or how he is suspected of escaping.