BY STACI WILSON

A sexually violent predator now faces an escape charge after he failed to return to the jail June 20 from a sexual offender counseling session inScranton.

Larry Phillips Jr., 42, Susquehanna, is currently serving 11-1/2 – 23-1/2 months for corruption of minors connected with a 2003-04 incident.

He waived his preliminary hearing on the escape charge Monday in Montrose District Court.

Phillips had been assessed as a sexually violent predator in connection with a June 2003 aggravated indecent assault case. He was sentenced to serve five years on the charge. Since his release from prison in 2009, Phillips has been on state supervision and undergoing counseling.

At his April sentencing on the corruption of minors charge, President Judge Kenneth Seamans granted Phillips a bi-weekly furlough to continue sexual offender counseling  at Forensic Counseling Associates, in Scranton.

Phillips was picked up June 20 at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility by his grandmother and was supposed to be transported to and from his appointment by her, returning to the jail by3 p.m.

When he hadn’t returned by3:30 p.m., state police, along with the Susquehanna County Sheriff’s office, began a search in the vicinity of Phillips’ residence.

Police apprehended Phillips hiding near a creek where young children were swimming, located just offCreek Rd.,JacksonTwp.