Two convicted felons have escaped from the Ben Hill County jail and a statewide search is underway.

Investigator Patrick Hogan says 25-year-old James Villers and 21-year-old Dillon Spencer escaped early Monday morning. Both were in jail for probation violation. Hogan says Villers was arrested on drug charges and Spencer is charged with burglary. He says they were holding the men at the jail until they could be moved to state prison. Both men were staying in the same cell, but how they escaped is still under investigation.

If you see either man do not approach them and call 9-1-1 or the Ben Hill County Sherriff’s Office at 229-426-5161.