Craig Jones has taken an unconventional approach to assist authorities in locating Izaak Michell, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner wanted by Texas law enforcement on serious charges.
Jones arranged for a mobile billboard truck featuring Michell’s wanted poster to patrol areas of New South Wales where the accused has reportedly been sighted.
The Adelaide-born grappler who won the ADCC Asia Trials faces a warrant issued by Hays County authorities in Texas. Despite the active warrant Michell is believed to be living in a van along Australia’s east coast with recent sightings reported in Ballina, Byron Bay and Burleigh Heads.
Jones’s decision to fund the mobile awareness campaign came after he received what he described as attempted black mail. The grappler shared screenshots on social media showing messages from an unknown sender threatening to release undisclosed footage unless Jones stopped discussing the Michell situation.
“If you continue to ignore the facts of Izaak I will have no choice but to out the footage. We both know you have worked very hard to keep it a secret.”
Rather than backing down Jones posted the texts publicly and responded with characteristic humor questioning what potential embarrassment could be held over him. He revealed the sender had used their actual phone number which allowed him to quickly identify the individual.
“In 5 minutes, I had his name, address, criminal history”
“I don’t have blackmail, I post it and call it content.”
The allegations against Michell became public after Hannah Griffith, a three-time Pans No-Gi gold medallist, shared a detailed statement on social media in late December. Her account prompted additional women to come forward with their own claims against the martial artist. Hays County Deputy Mark Andrews confirmed the active investigation and warrant status.
“Our agency is actively investigating Izaak Michell, and the investigation has resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant against Michell for the offence of s**ual assault, a second-degree felony. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.”
Local residents in Northern Rivers have reported encounters with Michell that left them uncomfortable. One individual posted in a community Facebook group about seeing him four days prior at the North Wall car park in Ballina.
“He gave me a really bad feeling and made me uncomfortable, so I left without hesitation.”
Michell is believed to be traveling in a blue-grey Suzuki APV van. Gordon Ryan confirmed the martial artist’s removal from the facility.
“Izaak Michell is no longer training or affiliated in any way with our gym. We have been advised that no further details should be made public at this time.”
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact authorities through anonymous tip lines. Jones’s mobile billboard initiative represents an unusual but attention-grabbing effort to assist law enforcement demonstrating how public figures in the martial arts community are taking active roles in addressing serious allegations within their sport.
