Jailed Laurel Councilman Attempts Escape

LAUREL — A Laurel city councilman, who was being held in jail on sexual battery charges, tried to escape over the weekend, authorities say.Joseph Jones attempted to scale a 30-foot security fence at the Jones County Jail on Sunday, said Sheriff Larry Dykes.Dykes said Jones was playing basketball in the exercise yard, when he dropped the ball, ran to the fence and tried to climb it.Dykes said Jones got within a few feet of the top before climbing down when two officers shook the fence.Jones had been in jail for several weeks, awaiting trial on two counts of sexual battery. The charges involved two teenage girls, authorities said.Jones could face additional charges for the attempted escape, Dykes said.