FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: |
February 21, 2008 |
Supervisory Inspector James Ergas
770-508-2555 |
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Accused Child Molester Captured after
High Speed Chase; Missing Child Recovered |
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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
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