CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has confirmed the case of a missing man and an escaped inmate are being investigated as related incidents.

On June 20, inmate Billy Fletcher, 43, allegedly walked away from his work detail at the county detention center. Fletcher was serving a three-year sentence for violation of probation.

Victor Birchfield, 61, was reportedly last seen on June 19, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a Silver Alert for him on June 22.

On Monday, Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley issued a statement, in which he said investigators believe the two men came into contact with one another.

“We are continuing to investigate in conjunction with other local and state agencies as well as authorities in other states. We believe that at some point following the escape of Fletcher that he came into contact with Mr. Birchfield.”

Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley

The sheriff’s office did not provide any further information on Monday.

The CCSO reported on Friday that Birchfield’s vehicle, a silver 2003 Toyota 4Runner with damage to the rear, had been spotted in the Clemson, South Carolina area.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced on Sunday that Fletcher was believed to be in South Carolina after he was spotted leaving a Walmart in Greenville County.

Fletcher is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing roughly 230 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911 immediately and not approach him.

Birchfield has gray hair and hazel eyes. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to call the CCSO at 423-542-1845 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.