February 8, 2010

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The case against an Augusta correctional facility escapee who was charged with attacking a female jogger on a popular park has not gone to trial two years after the attack.

Gary Gaylord Ford hasn't been to Clarke County Superior Court since he pleaded not guilty to an eight-county indictment in April 2008.

Athens Police Lt. David Leedahl says it's not uncommon for a case to go a few years before trial and that prosecutors may be waiting on more lab results.

Authorities say the 39-year-old escaped from the Augusta Transitional Center in February 2008 and fled to Athens, where he attacked the 21-year-old jogger. They say he also robbed a convenience store owner of $500.

He is being held without bond as prosecutors build their case.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.)