Handcuff keys found on Michigan State Rep. after being taken into custody

HOWELL, MI– Jewell Jones, a Michigan State Representative, faces more felony charges for allegedly being found with handcuff keys after being taken into custody.

Jones was arrested earlier this year for reportedly crashing his car into a ditch while under the influence of alcohol. 

Police say they found a loaded handgun in Jones’s cup holder and that he and his female passenger were both found with their pants down (WDIV).

Jones refused a breathalyzer test at the scene, but a blood test later showed that his blood alcohol content was .19, considered over twice the legal limit. 

On Tuesday, Jones was taken back into custody after violating his bond by consuming alcohol and tampering with his tether (WDIV). 

His original charges include resisting and obstructing a police officer, operating a motor vehicle with a high blood alcohol content, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a weapon while under the influence of alcohol, and reckless driving (Metro Times).

Two new felony charges were filed in connection with the key for allegedly bringing a weapon into jail in an attempt to possibly escape custody.

His attorney entered a Not Guilty plea, and the bond was set at $100,000.

Early on Friday, his attorney withdrew from his legal team. Afterward, the co-counsel requested a mental health evaluation from Jones.