Sex offender escapes from Spencer jail
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Joel Blanton, 25, was serving time for forgery convictions in both Warren and Van Buren counties, and was waiting to be sentenced on child rape convictions stemming from sexual offenses committed in White County.
?He?s been convicted on three counts in White County,? Evans said. ?He had, I think, a three-year sentence in Warren County for forgery and three years up here for forgery and was looking to be sentenced for probably 20 to 30 years or something like that, for the rapes.?
Evans said the inmate escaped after being allowed out of his cell by the jailer on duty, Johnathan Bouldin, who told conflicting stories about the incident, initially claiming Blanton escaped by running past him when the jailer was letting out another inmate to do the laundry. But Bouldin later recanted that story when questioned by the TBI, admitting he had let the prisoner out on numerous occasions.
In this particular incident Blanton had been allowed to go outside to get a soft drink and never returned. Bouldin was subsequently fired. ?He was relieved of duty,? Evans said. ?I fired him.?
Blanton has relatives in nearby counties, including White and Van Buren, and Evans said he doesn?t think he would be able to get far without some kind of assistance.
?You can quote me on this,? Evans said. ?Whoever we catch him with we?ll put them in jail too for aiding and abetting.?