FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: February 21, 2008 Supervisory Inspector James Ergas 770-508-2555   Accused Child Molester Captured after High Speed Chase; Missing Child Recovered   Atlanta, GA - On February 21, 2008, investigators from the U.S. Marshals, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Rutherford County, TN Sheriff’s Department participated in the fugitive investigation and capture of Jerry Jones, 51. Additionally, Jones’ daughter Madison Kerr, 4, was recovered. Jones was originally wanted by Hall County for a bond violation which was based on an original charge of four counts of child molestation. Jones, a school teacher, is believed to have molested several 8 and 9 year old girls. Additionally, Jones was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. While on bond, Jones was restricted to only supervised visits with his four year old daughter. Early on the morning of February 16, 2008, Jones is believed to have taken his daughter from his sister’s home and fled the state. Upon the disappearance of his daughter, Hall County authorities requested investigative assistance from the United States Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. USMS investigators worked throughout the weekend and into the week. During the investigation they learned that Jones had traveled to the Huntsville, AL area as well as, several cities in southern Tennessee. On the morning of February 21, 2008, USMS investigators were able to determine that Jones was at a Ramada Inn in Franklin, TN. Investigators set up surveillance on the hotel and were quickly able to locate Jones’ vehicle; now bearing stolen Tennessee tags. As investigators approached they were able to identify Jones inside of the vehicle. When investigators attempted to arrest Jones he fought them and was able to break free and escape by driving through a cemetery after having been pepper sprayed. A high speed chase ensued until Jones was briefly lost only to be located by Deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department as he attempted to repaint his vehicle. A second chase then ensued and during that chase Jones lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a pickup truck. Jones was immediately apprehended and his daughter was recovered from the vehicle. Jones is being held at the Rutherford County Jail. The U.S. Marshal’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) is a team comprised of law enforcement officers from the United States Marshal, as well as, 27 other local, state and federal agencies. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest the regions most violent offenders. Since the inception of the task force in September of 2003, the SERFTF has closed over 11,300 felony warrants. Annually, more fugitives are arrested by U.S. Marshals than all other federal agencies combined. Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov  .