CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Dec. 8.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Matthew Joseph Shaffer, 31, of Abby Road, DuBois. Shaffer is wanted for failure to appear at arraignment court on Dec. 3.
On Oct. 14, Officer Josh Johnston of the Sandy Township police filed a criminal complaint against Shaffer. He charged Shaffer with retail theft; criminal conspiracy; and theft by deception.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Dec. 30, 2013, police were dispatched to a business located on Industrial Drive, Sandy Township, for an alleged retail theft. Upon investigation it was found that on four, separate occasions, Shaffer and another individual had unlawfully taken items from the store valued at approximately $649.95.
It was also found that Shaffer had later returned to the store and exchanged the stolen merchandise for gift cards.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Nov. 14, at which time all charges were held for court. On Dec. 3, Shaffer failed to appear for arraignment court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Shaffer is described as a Caucasian male standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall. He has hazel eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with knowledge of Shaffer’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.”