A convicted felon is wanted by the TBI and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department after escaping from prison Monday.
37-year-old Joel Ernest Blanton escaped from the Van Buren County Jail at approximately 1 a.m. while being held for his sentencing Wednesday.
Blanton was found guilty April 17 on four counts of child rape and two counts of aggravated sexual battery.
According to TBI photos, Blanton has multiple tattoos, including a tear-drop by his left eye and a smiley face on his left middle finger. The TBI said Blanton may also wear glasses.
The TBI’s description states Blanton is a 5-foot-11-inch white male, weighing 236 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.
Blanton has now been added to the TBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to Blanton’s arrest.
The TBI urges those with information on Blanton’s whereabouts to contact them at 1-800-TBI-FIND
