CLEARFIELD – An anonymous tip led to the capture of a wanted fugitive, according to Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Scott Allen Hockenberry, 37, of Park Avenue Extension, Clearfield. Hockenberry was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on Monday.
On Oct. 3, 2013, Officer Julie Curry of the Lawrence Township police filed a criminal complaint against Hockenberry. She charged him with retail theft and receiving stolen property.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Aug. 31, 2013, police were dispatched to a business located on 100 Supercenter Dr. for an alleged theft by an employee. Upon investigation it was found that Hockenberry had unlawfully removed several items from the store without paying for the merchandise.
A preliminary hearing was held Nov. 6, 2013, at which time all charges were held to court. On July 22, Hockenberry failed to appear at plea and sentencing court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
In a separate case, Trooper Steven Peterson of the Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Law Central Section, filed a criminal complaint against Hockenberry on May 16. He charged him with possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, in December of 2013, state police received information about the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana from a residence located on Park Avenue Extension in Lawrence Township. Upon investigation it was found that Hockenberry and another individual were purchasing synthetic marijuana via the Internet and having the parcels shipped to their residence.
On Dec. 18, 2013, a search warrant was obtained and executed by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Northcentral Strike Force Unit on a package that was to be delivered to Hockenberry’s residence. The parcel was found to contain 10 packets of synthetic marijuana labeled “Mind Trip.” Each of the packets of synthetic marijuana was found to weigh 10 grams.
Additionally, a search was conducted on Hockenberry’s residence, where state police located digital scales, plastic bags used for packaging, glass smoking pipes and a piece of paper listing outstanding money that was owed for the sale of the synthetic marijuana.
A preliminary hearing was held on June 11, at which time all charges were held to court. On Oct. 30, Hockenberry failed to appear for criminal call and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Shaw stated that an anonymous tip to the Clearfield County Crime Stoppers provided the location of Hockenberry. On Monday, deputies from the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Hockenberry at a residence in Clearfield, and he was taken into custody without incident. Hockenberry is currently lodged in the Clearfield County Jail.
Shaw acknowledged that Hockenberry was located as the direct result of a citizen’s willingness to provide information to law enforcement. He also thanked the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office for its 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.”