More charges brought in Gogebic jail escape case

BESSEMER — Two more charges have been brought against Daniel Ferguson, stemming from his multi-day escape from the Gogebic County Jail.

Ferguson, 26, was arraigned Friday on two felony counts of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny.

Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs said the charges, which each carry a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, involve two separate condominiums on Powdervale Drive in Ironwood Township.

Ferguson is already facing a felony charge of escape while awaiting trial for a felony — a charge with a maximum potential sentence of four years in prison — in connection with the escape that led to a multi-day manhunt.

He escaped from the jail sometime after 8:45 p.m. on June 20, triggering a search of the area around Powderhorn Mountain that ended with Ferguson’s capture June 23 in a Bessemer residence. The breaking and entering charges are based on incidents that took place the day of his capture, according to Jacobs.

He was originally held on an operating under the influence charge and a probation violation warrant from Wisconsin.

Ferguson was on probation in Iron County, Wis., for felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor battery, stemming from a 2015 domestic violence case. According to online Wisconsin court records, Ferguson was sentenced to two years in prison — which was stayed — and three years extended supervision on the charge in July 2015.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department has declined to provide information regarding how Ferguson escaped the jail, citing security reasons.

As the breaking and entering offenses occurred following Ferguson’s escape from jail, the sentences could run concurrently, Jacobs said.

Bond on the new charges has been set at $100,000, 10 percent of which must be posted prior to his release.

Ferguson is next scheduled to appear in court Monday.