Federal agencies have joined the manhunt for a missing Alabama murder suspect and the corrections officer who apparently helped him escape.

US Marshals announced in a tweet a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Casey Cole White and Lauderdale County Assistant Director of Corrections Vicky White.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Vicky White told co-workers Friday morning she was taking Casey White to the county courthouse for a mental health evaluation — an evaluation, it turned out, that wasn’t actually scheduled. She also told colleagues she was going to a medical appointment after dropping the prison off at the courthouse, and, investigators said, that appointment wasn’t actually scheduled either.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told the TODAY show on Monday that “there’s just no way really, other than that she assisted,”

“All indications are that she assisted his escape,” Singleton said. “The question we’re trying to answer, and we may not be able to answer this until we get her back safely, is did she do that willingly or was someone from outside threatening her?”

Singleton said that Vicky White is a widow and has no children. She had worked with the corrections department for 16 years with an “unblemished record,” and on Thursday — the day before she vanished — she submitted her retirement papers.

Whether or not she was involved in Casey White’s escape, Singleton said, Vicky White is likely in danger. Authorities have warned the public not to approach the suspect if he’s spotted.

Vicky White (left) and an earlier booking photo of Casey Cole White/Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office

Casey White was serving a 75 year sentence for a string of multi-state crimes in 2015. Five years later, he reportedly confessed to the murder of Connie Ridgeway in that same year and was awaiting trial after pleading not guilty. He had also previously tried to escape the Lauderdale County jail.

Anyone with information should contact the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office at (256) 760-5757. If you see them, do not approach and call 911 immediately. Tips can also be submitted on the U.S. Marshals website or by calling (800) 336-0102.

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[Featured image: Most recent photos of Casey Cole White/Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office]

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