'A real piece of work': Sheriff says Michigan Rep. Jewell Jones brought handcuff key to jail
State Rep. Jewell Jones allegedly caught with handcuff key taped to foot in jail
More trouble for the Democrat State Rep from Inkster. Jewell Jones, already facing a third bond violation for drinking and driving and resisting arrest charges, is said to have smuggled in a handcuff key taped to this foot into jail.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Michigan Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) brought a handcuff key to jail when he was arrested Tuesday for violating his bond, according to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office.
MORE: Jewell Jones arrested after 3rd bond violation
Jones, 26, was taken into custody during a hearing for violating his bond a third time. Sheriff Michael Murphy said the key was found taped to his foot during intake.
The prosecutor authorized additional felony charges after the discovery of the key. Jones' attorney entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment Wednesday.
He was given a $100,000 cash or surety bond and ordered to not possess any weapons.
Jones must also surrender any items used in the course of duty by law enforcement officers. He served as an auxiliary police officer in Inkster.
Michigan State Rep Jewell Jones arraigned on felony for bringing handcuff key into jail
When Jewell Jones was ordered to jail after violating bond for the third time on Tuesday, the Livingston County Sheriff said he brought a handcuff key with him. Now he's been arraigned on a felony charge of bringing a weapon into the jail.
"This guy is a real piece of work, and an embarrassment to all elected officials, and I believe he thinks somehow the laws do not apply to him," Murphy said. "More than that, I am mad. Had the handcuff key ended in an injury to my staff or another inmate I am not sure what I would have done; as my primary responsibility is the safety and security of my staff and inmates."
The lawmaker's tether showed that he had alcohol in his system earlier this month. He was not allowed to drink alcohol while out on bond after an arrest for an alleged drunken driving crash in the spring.
Jones was arrested in April after authorities say he crashed his SUV along I-96 in Livingston County.
Read More: Jewell Jones, female passenger found with pants down
He posted bond and was released from jail but violated the terms of his bond in June when he went to Wayne while he was supposed to be at National Guard training in northern Michigan. He violated it a second time when he failed to pay for his tether in July.
Jones is due back in court Friday for a pretrial hearing. More information is expected from the sheriff's office later Wednesday.