ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST — A minimum-security inmate incarcerated for possession of a gun by an ex-felon went missing Friday from a conservation camp in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, authorities said.

Rafael Ortega was last seen at his assigned bed about 5:10 p.m. Friday during a mandatory count at the Julius Klein Conservation Camp, 22550 E. East Fork Road, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Lt. Alyce von Savoye said in a written statement.

“Camp staff searched the inmate dormitory area, surrounding buildings and the camp perimeter after he was discovered missing,” von Savoye said.

“All local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol have been notified and are assisting in the search for Ortega,” she added.

Ortega began serving a three year, eight month prison sentence in October of 2011 following a conviction for possession of a firearm by an ex-felon, authorities said. He was scheduled to be paroled in May of 2013.

Officials described Ortega as Latino, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Julius Klein Conservation Camp commander at 626-910-1213, or the Sierra Conservation Center watch commander at (209) 984-5291, ext. 5439.

PHOTO of Rafael Ortega, 20, courtesy of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.