Augusta County, VA Probationer Missing After Leaving Work Site

Augusta County, VA – Deputies are continuing to search Monday for a 44-year-old Virginia probationer who allegedly left an assigned work site without authorization Friday evening in the Augusta County area near Staunton.

According to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, authorities received a report at approximately 5:20 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, that Charles Lee Able, 44, of Burkeville, had left his assigned work site at the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro Animal Shelter.

The sheriff's office emphasized that Able is classified as a probationer, not an inmate, through the Virginia Department of Corrections. Authorities also said he does not have a violent criminal history.

After receiving the report, Augusta County deputies conducted searches throughout the Verona area Friday evening and continued efforts through the weekend in an attempt to locate him.

As of the sheriff's latest update, Able had not been located and was wanted for an alleged probation violation.

Authorities said Able was under the custody and supervision of the Virginia Department of Corrections at the time he allegedly left the work site. Questions about his probation status or circumstances surrounding the incident are being referred to the state corrections department.

The sheriff's office has not announced any additional criminal charges connected to Able's disappearance from the assigned site.

Anyone with information about Charles Lee Able's whereabouts is asked to contact the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

The search remains ongoing, and authorities said efforts to locate Able have continued since Friday evening.