Out on licence after just two years, he broke his parole terms and ran back to Canada in 1987, where Lee called the police when he contacted her.
He was charged with the crimes he previously committed and sent to an ageing prison.
When prisoners rioted over the conditions, their eloquent spokesman Jones was extensively quoted in the press, catching the attention of a church leader.
Nearly twice his age, Elsie Hager became his second wife on his release from prison, and a source of cash.
His debts spiralled once again. He told Elsie he had been kidnapped by one of his creditors in a bid to get money from her.
When the “kidnapper” was arrested, Jones refused to press charges.
But his deceptions prompted press reports. Canadian officials discovered he lied on his entry papers and deported him in 1991.
Or at least they tried.
They made the mistake of allowing Jones to make his own way to the flight home. Instead, he fled to California, Elsie in tow, to live on Wales Street in a town called Cambria, the Latin name for Wales.
He made the most of this connection, flying the Welsh flag and ingratiating himself with locals, who fell for the charms of “this lovely man”. He spoke of having tea with the Prince of Wales and frequently mentioned “Lady Di”.
But his fraudulent habits again caught up with him and the US authorities did a better job of making sure he really left the continent.