By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
July 28, 2001
DECATUR A man who escaped during a court hearing here almost two months ago is back in custody, and expected to appear in court on Monday.
Newton County Sheriff Jackie Knight said 36-year-old Mark McElhenny, of Oktibbeha County, was originally arrested May 29 on a child exploitation charge after he allegedly exposed himself and made inappropriate comments to children at a Decatur trailer park.
He escaped the next day from the booking area at the sheriff's department as Municipal Judge Danny Clearman was setting his bond.
Knight said he learned McElhenny was in Talladega County, Ala., and called the sheriff's department there. Deputies took McElhenny into custody Thursday.
Knight said he and his deputies drove to Talladega County, and transported McElhenny back to Newton County Thursday night.
McElhenny now faces a felony escape charge in addition to the child exploitation charge. Knight said McElhenny has also been charged with several sex-related offenses in Itawamba County.
The case is expected to be presented to a November grand jury, unless Itawamba County's next grand jury convenes before then. If it does, he will be transported there, Knight said.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.