Authorities are searching for a convicted child rapist who escaped from the Van Buren County Jail this morning. Joel Ernest Blanton was convicted of four counts of rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. Blanton is a Caucasian male with multiple tattoos and may also be wearing glasses. Up to a $2,500 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest. If you see Blanton, call 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911.