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Escapee Curtis Watson had special privileges easing his escape

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The TBI is warning everyone across the state to keep their eyes open and not to become complacent throughout this weekend in the search for escaped inmate Curtis Watson.

The Tennessee Department of Correction says Watson had gained "trustee" status before his escape Wednesday -- something TBI agents say allowed him to leave the prison to operate the tractor he left on.

This isn't the first time trustees have escaped from TDOC facilities across the state.

In 2011, a trustee working on state property escaped in Bledsoe County, and again in 2013 when a trustee working on a dairy farm "jumped from a tractor" -- the same getaway as Watson.

The reward for Watson's capture and Conviction stands at $57,000

If you spot him, call 9-1-1 -- if you have info, call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

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