U.S. Marshals Arrest Federal Fugitive from Alaska

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Victimsin underlying case included Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008Republican Vice Presidential candidate
Scranton,PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the UnitedStates Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Shawn Christy, a 21-year old man, inMcAdoo, Pennsylvania.
Christywas being sought on an arrest warrant issued by the United States District Courtof Alaska on November 21, 2012, charging him with violation of federalprobation.
OnJune 8, 2012, Christy was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage, Alaska tofive (5) years of probation. He and his father Craig Christy had beenpreviously charged with making harassing telephone calls to the law firm thatrepresented Sarah Palin. These calls threatened Palin and her attorneys. InJanuary 2012, both Christys pleaded guilty to the charges.
Asa condition of the five (5) years of probation, U.S. District Court JudgeTimothy M. Burgess ordered Shawn Christy to spend up to six (6) months in acommunity re-entry program at a Scranton residential facility.
Christyhad his federal probation supervision transferred from the District of Alaskato the Middle District of Pennsylvania. In mid-July 2012, Christy entered theCatholic Social Services Residential Program. While residing at the ScrantonCatholic Charity Center, it is alleged that Christy left without approval, wasverbally abusive toward staff, and caused property damage at the facility.
Shortlyafter the issuance of the fugitive warrant on November 21, Marshals in Alaskasent an investigative lead to the USMS Fugitive Task Force in the MiddleDistrict of Pennsylvania. Marshals based in Scranton developed information thatthe fugitive had returned to McAdoo.
Duringthe morning hours of November 28, U.S. Marshals located Christy at a house inthe 100 block of South Harrison Street in McAdoo. Upon identifying themselves,Christy fled the residence and was pursued by law enforcement. After a shortfoot chase, U.S. Marshals subdued the fugitive without any further incident. Atthe time of arrest, Christy was in possession of a knife. Christy wastransported to the U.S. Courthouse in Scranton, where he appeared before UnitedStates Magistrate Judge Thomas Blewitt. Christy was ordered detained, pendinghis removal to the District of Alaska for further court proceedings on thefederal probation violation warrant.
UnitedStates Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “This case demonstrates the commitment ofthe U. S. Marshals Service to apprehend fugitives who fail to comply with theirprobation requirements.”
U.S.Marshals were assisted by personnel from the Lackawanna County Sheriff’sOffice, a participating agency in its Middle District of Pennsylvania FugitiveTask Force.