Arkansas Prison Escapee 'Devil in Ozarks' Transferred to Varner SuperMax

Grant Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks" for his convictions including murder and his prison escape, has been transferred to the Varner SuperMax prison southeast of Little Rock, Arkansas, following his recapture. Hardin escaped by impersonating a corrections officer, and a prison officer opened a secure gate allowing him to leave without identity verification, which is under investigation. Authorities conducted an extensive search involving drones, bloodhounds, and helicopters, but heavy rains and high water levels in the surrounding creeks limited both Hardin's movement and the search efforts. Hardin was found just 1.5 miles northwest of the prison and briefly attempted to flee before being subdued. Benton County Prosecutor Bryan Sexton noted that Hardin's escape had disrupted the lives of victims and witnesses, but his recapture has brought relief and closure to them. The Varner Unit is known as Arkansas's most secure prison facility, housing high-risk inmates, making Hardin's transfer a strategic decision to enhance security.