NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a new addition to its ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list: Joel Ernest Blanton.
Blanton (DOB 2-10-81) is wanted by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department and the TBI after escaping from the Van Buren County Jail at approximately 1 a.m. on June 25.
On April 17, Blanton was found guilty of four counts of rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. He was awaiting a Wednesday sentencing when he escaped this morning.
Blanton is a white man who stands 5’11” and weighs approximately 236 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and several tattoos on his face, hands, and arms.
NEW PICTURE: This is a surveillance image of Blanton from shortly before his escape, and our best guess — at this moment — of his current appearance. Spot him? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND. pic.twitter.com/dfM6DOUXF5
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) June 25, 2018
Anyone who sees Blanton should contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
Photos: TBI