CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of March 9.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Melissa Marie Novella, 31, of Butterbaugh Road, Cherry Tree. Novella is wanted for failure to appear at a preliminary hearing on Dec. 31, 2014.
On Nov. 13, 2014, Officer Zachary Cowan of the Lawrence Township police filed a criminal complaint against Novella. He charged her with retail theft, F3; receiving stolen property, M3; and criminal trespass, M3.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 13, 2014, police were dispatched to the Wal-Mart Supercenter for a theft incident. Upon investigation it was found Novella had allegedly been in the store and was concealing items on her person. She then allegedly left the store without paying for the merchandise.
Also, it was found that Novella had previously been notified she was not permitted in the store.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 31, 2014, at which time Novella failed to appear and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Novella is described as a Caucasian female standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. She has brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with knowledge of Novella’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.”
