NESS CITY, Kan. (AP) _ A convicted rapist was still on the run after escaping from the Ness County jail in western Kansas on Friday night.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and several law enforcement agencies were still looking for 37-year-old Benito Cardenas on Saturday evening.

Cardenas was convicted last week of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy under Jessica's Law because his victim was under the age of 14. Because of that provision, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

He is identified as 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, with tattoos on his arms and chest and a teardrop tattoo beneath his left eye.

Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple says Cardenas is a former gang member who is probably still affiliated with gang members in the area.