CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced the capture of a wanted fugitive.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Melissa Marie Novella, 31, of Butterbaugh Road, Cherry Tree. Novella was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on Monday.
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.
Shaw stated that on Tuesday the Pennsylvania State Police received information about Novella’s location. State police provided the information to the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies then apprehended Novella at a residence located in Westover. She was taken into custody without incident. Novella is currently lodged in the Clearfield County Jail.
Shaw thanked the Pennsylvania State Police and Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office 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.”