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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Federal inmate mistakenly released in Chattanooga back in custody

Staff File PhotoIn this file photograph from 2000, an inmate walks across the yard inside the razor-wire fence at the CCA Silverdale Correctional Facility on Standifer Gap Road.
Staff File PhotoIn this file photograph from 2000, an inmate walks across the yard inside the razor-wire fence at the CCA Silverdale Correctional Facility on Standifer Gap Road. Staff File PhotoIn this file photograph from 2000, an inmate walks across the yard inside the razor-wire fence at the CCA Silverdale Correctional Facility on Standifer Gap Road.
photo Staff File PhotoIn this file photograph from 2000, an inmate walks across the yard inside the razor-wire fence at the CCA Silverdale Correctional Facility on Standifer Gap Road.

The inmate who was mistakenly released from Silverdale today has been captured, according to Chattanooga police.

Rodney Akins, 49, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals in Dunlap around 10 a.m., according to police.

It was not immediately clear why or how Akins was mistakenly released. The Dunlap man was one of nearly two dozen people who were caught up in a federal three-state methamphetamine bust in March.

Akins was released on bond on those methamphetamine charges on March 26, after agreeing to several conditions set by the court, according to Times Free Press archives.

It was not immediately clear which charges put Akins back in jail, and authorities could not say on Wednesday what charges he faces.