Muscogee DA candidate faces multiple charges related to viral campaign video, cops say

A candidate for district attorney of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit now faces charges related to a campaign video.

Mark Jones, 38, is wanted by Columbus police in a May 17 incident that caused “an extensive amount” of damage to the Columbus Civic Center parking lot, according to a press release from the Columbus Police Department.

According to Lieutenant Lance Deaton, Jones is wanted on felony and misdemeanor warrants. He did not specify what the charges are.

The incident reportedly happened while filming a campaign video last weekend. In the footage, a driver is seen performing doughnuts in the parking lot, which left tire marks on the concrete.

Two other individuals, Christopher Black, 23, and Erik Whittington, 24, were arrested late Friday in connection to the incident. Both Black and Whittington are charged with felony interference with government property and first-degree criminal damage to property, plus misdemeanors of reckless conduct, reckless driving and laying drag, according to records at the Muscogee County Jail.

They were both expected to leave the jail Saturday evening after their bonds were lowered in the case.

Jones is seeking to unseat current district attorney Julia Slater in the June 9 election.

Police say that they are actively looking for Jones and ask that anyone with information regarding his whereabouts call CPD at 706-641-5993 or 911.