An inmate who disappeared while on an off-site work assignment in Safford is back in custody.

Juan C. Nunley was at ASPC-Safford sewage pond around 11 a.m. Wednesday when he walked away from his work assignment.

Authorities say they found Nunley hiding in an irrigation drain in a vacant lot nearby.

Nunley is housed in the minimum custody portion of the prison. He was sentenced to seven years behind bars in 2014 after being convicted of theft and trafficking stolen property.

The Arizona Department of Corrections used its chase teams, tracking dog teams and fugitive apprehensive unit to locate Nunley. Local authorities also helped with the search.