By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — The inmate who escaped from a minimum security work detail at Skillman Dairy Farm in January has been indicted on escape, burglary and theft charges in connection with the incident, according to the Somerset County prosecutor’s office.
Marc Harris, 22, is accused of stealing a pair of work boots from one township home and $2,000 in change from another while on the run. He faces third-degree charges of escape from detention, burglary, and theft by unlawful taking.
Jailed on a drug distribution charge, Mr. Harris was expected to be on parole in May. Authorities said he fled the farm Jan. 6 after an altercation with an employee over a cell phone.
As a result of the escape, farm labor by inmates at the 500-acre farm has been stopped.
According to an affidavit filed in state Superior Court in Somerville, at 8:12 p.m. on the day of his escape, a person matching Mr. Harris’ description was reported entering a parked vehicle at an auto body repair shop on Route 518. The person fled before police arrived.
At 11:26 the same night, the resident of a nearby home contacted police to report the theft of a pair of size 13 work boots from the front porch of his residence.
And at 4:30 p.m. the next day, a resident of Route 518 called township police to report a burglary and theft at her residence. The victim stated that the burglary had occurred sometime after 7 a.m., and approximately $2,000 in coins was missing from the residence, according to the affidavit.
The victim also stated that her home computer had been used and still was turned on. On the computer screen were driving directions to an address in Mays Landing.
Also found at the residence were Mr. Harris’ thermal underwear, issued by the Department of Corrections, according to the affidavit.
In an interview with police, Mr. Harris confessed to stealing the coins and boots, according to the affidavit. He was found with the items when he was arrested.
Mr. Harris is scheduled for an arraignment status conference on April 9.

