Video: Haylee Donathan's Uncle Says Escape of Sex Offender Began as Trick

Examiner- Cyle Watson, the uncle of missing 3-year-old Haylee Donathan, was arrested Thursday for helping convicted sex offender, Robbi Potter escape from a halfway house.

Also arrested in connection with the escape was Haylee’s father, James Donathan and his girlfriend, Nicole Kirkpatrick.

Potter is a convicted sex offender who is believed to be with Haylee and her mother Candace Watson.

Cyle Watson, 21, said he and Potter met at Belmont Correctional Institution, while Potter was serving three years for two counts of sexual battery on two children, ages 7 and 9.

Watson was sentenced to three years in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old girl he claimed consented to the act and lied about her age. He also received five years probation for attempted rape.

On Feb. 28, Watson was released from prison to the Volunteers of America halfway house.

He told Mark Caudill of the Telegraph-Forum, “I was out a month, and I was at a strip club.” He saw Potter at the halfway house and said Potter owed him money. “I don’t even like the guy,” Watson said.

He claims he was trying to get Potting in trouble by telling him he had arranged a ride for him at the North Main Street BP station. Watson denies helping Potter escape.

The day after Potter left the facility, Watson said he talked to Haylee’s father, who said Potter came to see him and thought Watson had sent him over. Donathan’s apartment building is located next to the halfway house.

Donathan called Haylee’s mother to give Potter a ride.
(See the interview of Cyle Watson)

CRAWFORD COUNTY (WTOL) - A nationwide search is underway for little Haylee Donathan.

The 4-year-old girl was last seen more than a week ago in Crestline, and investigators say she may be in danger.

They believe she's with her mother and Robbi Potter. Potter spent 3 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children.

One of the victims' mothers has a warning for Haylee's mom.

"I would tell her to get away. Run, as fast as you can. I mean, even if she doesn't do it for herself, she's gotta do it for her child," the mother said.

Haylee's father, his girlfriend and the girl's uncle are charged with helping Potter escape.

Investigators were checking possible leads near Phoenix, Ariz., after receiving tips that Haylee may be there. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is handling the search.

"I'm a father myself and I can just imagine the fear in this girl, so we're not going to stop, we're going to keep going until we get her back safely," said Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Deserto.

Deserto said they are willing to speak with Potter and Haylee's mother to arrange a 'safe surrender.'

Talks are underway to get the case featured on America's Most Wanted.