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100+ Surrender at Harrisburg Church
posted 06/10/09
4:04 pm
As of 3:30 p.m., 145 fugitives had turned themselves in as part of a U.S. Marshals program called "Fugitive Safe Surrender."
Organizers were thrilled with the turnout.
"The hope they have is very positive," said Pastor Raleigh Wingfield. "They're walking out with this burden off their hearts and off their minds."
Under the program, anyone wanted for an outstanding warrant can surrender at the church, meet with a lawyer, go before a judge, in the vast majority of cases, clear their warrants.
That was the case for 27-year-old Tara Hughes. The mother of three learned she was wanted on Friday after she failed to show up for a court date.
"I was scared...I really didn't want to turn myself in," Hughes admitted. "But I knew I had to because I have kids."
Hughes' warrant was cleared and she was allowed to leave later in the morning.
"I'm free to go home," Hughes said. "I'm happy about that."
Scott Stouffer of Harrisburg said he was wanted for failing to pay an occupational tax.
"No more warrants," he said smiling. "It feels great...really great."
Richard Shover of New Cumberland has an active warrant in Cumberland County. He was given a voucher to take back to the courts there.
"Every day you think about it," Shover said. "You're always thinking today is going to be the day."
"It's fun to see the look on their faces when they're finally walking out the door and it's amazing to see the load be lifted from them," said U.S. Marshal Mike Regan.
District Attorney Ed Marsico said the program has already made the streets safer.
"It cuts down on that risk of confrontation between an officer and someone with a warrant on the street," Marsico said. "We're hoping the numbers will keep up throughout Saturday."
Doors will be open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Saturday, June 13th. For more information you can call 234-7282.
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