A Michigan parole absconder with a long history of violent and weapons-related felony convictions has been taken into custody in Texas following a foot chase, authorities confirmed.
Robert Jeffrey Hill, an MDOC parolee wanted out of Wayne County, was arrested in Brazoria, Texas, after investigators determined he had fled Michigan while on parole for multiple felony weapons convictions. Hill had been listed as an absconder since January 16, 2023.
According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Hill was on active parole supervision stemming from a Wayne County jury conviction tied to a 2015 violent incident involving firearms and ammunition possession by a felon.
He is now expected to be extradited back to Michigan to face the outstanding parole violation.
Criminal History: Wayne County Jury Convictions
Court and MDOC records show Hill was convicted by a Wayne County jury in 2016 on multiple felony charges arising from a May 29, 2015 incident.
Active MDOC sentences tied to the case include:
- Weapons – Ammunition Possession by a Felon
Minimum sentence: 2 years, 6 months
Maximum sentence: 7 years, 6 months - Weapons – Firearm Possession by a Felon
Minimum sentence: 2 years, 6 months
Maximum sentence: 7 years, 6 months - Assault With a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Minimum sentence: 2 years, 4 months
Maximum sentence: 6 years - Weapons – Felony Firearm
Mandatory 2-year term
All convictions originated from Wayne County Circuit Court, with sentencing imposed April 7, 2016. MDOC records show Hill received 317 days of jail credit and was eventually released to parole supervision before absconding.
Prior Violent Conviction: Armed Robbery Case
In addition to the weapons case, Hill previously served a prison sentence for Assault With Intent to Rob While Armed, a serious violent felony under Michigan law.
That case resulted in:
- Minimum sentence: 3 years, 6 months
- Maximum sentence: 15 years
- Conviction date: August 24, 2006
- Discharged December 6, 2021
The conviction stemmed from another Wayne County case and reflects a documented history of armed violence predating the 2015 offenses.
Parole Status and Absconding
MDOC records list Hill’s supervision start date as October 4, 2022, with parole absconding formally recorded on January 16, 2023.
Once declared an absconder, Michigan authorities coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service and Texas law enforcement after receiving information that Hill may have returned to an area where he previously had ties.
Identifiers, Aliases, and Tattoos
MDOC documentation lists multiple aliases associated with Hill, including variations of his name and known street identifiers.
Aliases include:
- Robert Jeffery Hill
- Robert Jeffrey Hill
- Robert Hill
- James Hicks
- Rick Saims
- Runner
Tattoos documented by MDOC include extensive markings across the arms, hands, chest, legs, and torso, including weapon imagery, gang-style symbols, dice, city references, religious imagery, and memorial-style tattoos. Several tattoos reference Detroit, including “Detroit,” “Motor City,” and directional markings consistent with Southeast Michigan identifiers.
What Happens Next
Hill remains in custody in Texas pending extradition. Once returned to Michigan, he will be lodged with MDOC and face parole violation proceedings that could result in additional incarceration tied to the remainder of his original sentence.
Because the parole violation stems from felony weapons convictions, MDOC retains broad authority to revoke parole and return Hill to state prison.
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