CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Joseph Blake, 51, of Main Street, Coalport. Blake is wanted for failure to appear at a preliminary hearing Jan. 6.
On Dec. 14, 2015, Trooper Jared Wolff of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield barracks, filed a criminal complaint against Blake. He charged him with numerous counts of forgery, F2; theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, M1; and theft by unlawful taking, M1.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, over approximately three-and-a-half years while serving as treasurer, Blake allegedly wrote checks to himself from the account of a local club. Senior club members told state police that three signatures were required on each check.
Upon investigation it was discovered that Blake had allegedly signed his name and forged the signatures of two, other club members on numerous checks. In addition, it was discovered that Blake had allegedly made previously signed checks payable to himself.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 6, at which time Blake failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Blake is described as a Caucasian male standing 6 feet, 1-inch tall. He has gray hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with knowledge of Blake’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.”