Fugitive escapes Duluth halfway house while awaiting sentencing, White Earth police post warning to public

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The White Earth Police Department issued an alert over a fugitive that escaped custody from a halfway house in the Duluth-area on April 29, according to a Facebook post by the law enforcement agency. 

52-year-old Francis Edward Durant was awaiting sentencing following a conviction for federal charges involving drug distribution and firearm possession. The charges stemmed from a 2022 investigation that involved the White Earth Police Department and other assisting agencies. 

The news release also stated that Durant said, at the time of his arrest, that he would not go back to prison and was willing to have a shootout with law enforcement. The post also describes Durant as having “violent tendencies.” 

Durant is listed at 5-foot, 8-inches tall and 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. 

Members of the public are advised not to approach Durant, if they see him, and should instead call local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshall’s Tip Line.