CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced the capture of a wanted fugitive.
Shaw identified the Fugitive as Paul Witherite, age 24, of St. Clara Street, Houtzdale.
Witherite was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on Aug. 15, 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 of Paul Witherite at 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.
Shaw stated that an anonymous tip to the Clearfield County Crime Stoppers provided the location of Witherite. On Sept. 2, 2011, Officers from the Clearfield Borough Police Department apprehended Witherite, and he was taken into custody without incident. Witherite is currently lodged in the Clearfield County jail.Â
Shaw thanked the Clearfield Borough Police Department for their hard work and assistance with this case.
