CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced the capture of a wanted fugitive.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Johnalee Smeal, 29, of Old Erie Pike, West Decatur. Smeal was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on March 12.
On Dec. 5, 2011, Trooper Adam Gibson of the Pennsylvania State Police, Woodland Barracks, filed a criminal complaint, charging Smeal with possession of drug paraphernalia.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by Gibson states that at approximately 8:50 a.m. June 10, 2011, Gibson was dispatched to a Chester Hill residence for suspected drug activity. Upon arrival, Gibson observed drug paraphernalia in an apartment that was previously occupied by Smeal. The paraphernalia included syringes, empty prescription pill bottles, home-made foil pipes and burnt spoons.
A preliminary hearing was held on Feb. 8 at which time Smeal failed to appear and all charges were held for court. On Feb. 29, Smeal failed to appear for arraignment court and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.
Shaw stated that an anonymous tip to the Morris-Cooper Regional Police Department provided the location of Smeal. On March 13, officers from the Morris-Cooper Regional Police Department apprehended Smeal, and she was taken into custody without incident.
Shaw thanked the Morris-Cooper Regional Police Department for their assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a fugitive’s location 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.”