A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Yuma man who sent his jury questionnaire back to the court clerk's office with obscenities written on it.

Timothy Michael Jones was ordered to appear in Superior Court Tuesday morning, on an order to show cause — which required him to appear before a judge to explain his reason for what he did.

But when Jones did not show up for his court appearance, Superior Court Judge Andrew Gould issued the bench warrant. Jones is facing a charge of indirect criminal contempt.

According to court records, Jones was sent a jury summons last month that informed him that he had been randomly selected as a prospective juror for the Yuma County Superior Courts and requested he fill out a questionnaire.

The summons also stated that if qualified, Jones was subject to being summoned anytime from July 1, 2010, for a period not to exceed 12 months.

Instead of filling out the questionnaire, Jones used a black marker to write a vulgar statement in big letters on the summons and sent it back to the court clerk's office.

The court also appointed Jay Cairns of the city of Yuma Prosecutor's Office as a special prosecutor in the case. Court records also stated that Jones is entitled to representation by counsel, but that he is not entitled to a jury trial on the charge.

If found guilty, Jones could be sentenced to up to six months in jail and a fine of no more than $300.

The warrant will remain in effect until Jones appears in court, whether voluntarily or after he is brought before the court in custody after his arrest.