CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced Thursday that Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week program has reached a milestone.
Shaw reported that since running the first Fugitive of the Week on March 28, 2010, tthe program has reached its 50th capture. As of Thursday, the Fugitive of the Week program has listed a total of 70 fugitives.
“We have captured 62 of those wanted fugitives, and currently the program is operating at an 89 percent success rate. Only eight of our wanted fugitives remain at-large.”
Shaw stated that the success of the program comes from the willingness of community members to make anonymous reports disclosing the location of a wanted person. Shaw emphasized that without community involvement, this program would not be as effective as it is.
Shaw also noted that they have had great cooperation from local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities from all over the country who have helped locate and apprehend wanted fugitives.
Shaw said that a special “Thank You” goes to the following departments who have helped with capturing a Fugitive of the Week:
Clearfield County Sheriff’s Department
Clearfield Borough Police Department
Lawrence Township Police Department
DuBois City Police Department
Sandy Township Police Department
Curwensville Borough Police Department
Morris-Cooper Regional Police Department
Decatur Township Police Department
Clearfield County Probation Office
Pennsylvania State Police
U.S. Marshal’s Service
West Virginia State Police
Mifflin County Sheriff’s Department
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department (Port Charlotte, Florida)
King County Sheriff’s Department (Seattle, Washington)
Altoona City Police Department
U.S. Park Service
Luzerne County Constables
Navajo County Major Crime Apprehension Team (Navajo County, Arizona)
Centre County Sheriff’s Department
Elk County Sheriff’s Department
Butler City Police Department
Clearfield County Crime Stoppers
Shaw said the Fugitive of the Week program sends the message that people who commit any crime in Clearfield County will be held accountable for their behavior. The smallest crime can have the biggest economic impact on our community. The program has captured every range of wanted criminal, including those charged with the following offenses:
Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse
Aggravated Indecent Assault
Statutory Sexual Assault
Indecent Assault
Drug Delivery
Burglary
Firearm Violations
Theft by Unlawful Taking
Aggravated Assault
Simple Assault
Forgery
Theft by Deception
Theft of Leased Property
Theft of Services
Theft from a Motor Vehicle
Driving Under the Influence
Receiving Stolen Property
Access Device Fraud
Endangering the Welfare of Children
Deceptive Business Practices
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
Criminal Trespass
False ID to law Enforcement
Retail Theft
Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Shaw reported that as a result of their efforts, they have been able to ensure that restitution will be collected for all crime victims. Captured fugitives have been ordered to pay tens-of- thousands of dollars in restitution. Shaw believes that our Fugitive of the Week program has been extremely successful and said “I am very proud of the hard work of every officer who has helped us achieve this milestone.”
Shaw stated that the Fugitive of the Week program was created in response to the current economic times, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify, capture, and prosecute those who break the law. Police departments all over the country, including departments right here in Clearfield County, are experiencing personnel shortages because of budget restrictions.
Our Fugitive of the Week program enlists the assistance of community members to aid law enforcement in locating wanted fugitives.
Shaw reported that the Fugitive of the Week program is operated at no cost to taxpayers. More importantly, Shaw said that the program creates a more efficient use of police resources. Police are now able to spend their time investigating crime instead of searching for wanted fugitives.
Shaw stated that many criminals believe they can escape responsibility for their crimes by simply failing to appear in court. Shaw said this is unacceptable. In Clearfield County, criminals now know that if they don’t appear, they will be located, they will be brought to court, and they will be held accountable. Running from the law is not the answer in Clearfield County.
Shaw stated that he looks forward to the continued success of the Fugitive of the Week program. Shaw said he is also very hopeful that community members and law enforcement will continue their partnership to make Clearfield County a safe place to live.
Anyone with knowledge or information about a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at (800)-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers 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”.