Convicted child rapist captured in Warren County after escaping - WSMV News 4

Convicted child rapist captured in Warren County after escaping jail

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Joel Ernest Blanton (Courtesy: TBI) Joel Ernest Blanton (Courtesy: TBI)
Blanton's left hand tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI) Blanton's left hand tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI)
Blanton's lower left arm tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI) Blanton's lower left arm tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI)
Blanton's right forearm tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI) Blanton's right forearm tattoo. (Courtesy: TBI)
Blanton's upper left arm tattoos. (Courtesy: TBI) Blanton's upper left arm tattoos. (Courtesy: TBI)
SPENCER, TN (WSMV) -

The TBI confirmed that Joel Blanton, a convicted child rapist, was captured in Warren County after escaping from jail.

After escaping from jail last night, Blanton added to the TBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list. 

TBI officials say Joe Ernest Blanton escaped from the Van Buren County Jail around 1 a.m. Monday morning. 

Blanton was found guilty on four counts of rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery on April 16. 

He was awaiting sentencing this morning when he somehow escaped custody.

Officials released a photo of Blanton, who was spotted on surveillance footage shortly after he escaped custody. He is believed to be wearing a dark shirt with bright green writing over a black long-sleeve shirt, black pants and a black beanie. 

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