Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Aug. 15, 2011.
Shaw identified the Fugitive as Paul Witherite, age 24, of St. Clara Street, Houtzdale.
Shaw stated that Witherite is wanted for failure to appear at preliminary hearing on July 6, 2011, and for failure to appear at arraignment court on August 3, 2011.
On June 3, 2011, Trooper Kimberly Ronan of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, filed a criminal complaint charging Witherite with: 1) false identification to law enforcement authority, M3; and 2) disorderly conduct, M3.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by Ronan states that on May 24, 2011, Pennsylvania Constables responded to a residence on St. Clara Street in Woodward Township in order to serve a warrant on Witherite. Upon arrival the Constables came into contact with two males, and in speaking with the two males, Witherite identified himself as “Bob Hamilton”. When asked to provide the supporting identification, Witherite explained that he had his license taken away. Witherite and the other male then told the Constables they had just dropped off Paul Witherite at a trailer located in Osceola Mills. The Constables were able to later confirm through the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) that the male identifying himself as “Bob Hamilton” was Witherite.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for July 6, 2011, at which time Witherite failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A hearing was held in Witherite’s absence and all charges were held for Court. On Aug. 3, 2011, Witherite failed to appear for arraignment court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Witherite is described as follows:
Race: White
Sex: Male
Height: 5 feet, 9 inches
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Anyone with knowledge of Witherite’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crimestoppers at (800)-376-4700.
All calls to Crimestoppers are confidential. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime”.