One New York man who was on the run with a warrant out for his arrest is now back in Lockport, New York for his arraignment, according to the Buffalo News. The Metro.Co.UK reports that Chris Crego decided that it was a good idea to post his current address on both his MySpace and Facebook accounts while he was hiding from the authorities.
Mr. Crego was wanted by police after he failed to attend his sentencing. In 2009, he was arrested for a bar fight that took place in Western New York. In court, under the guidance of his New York criminal defense attorney, he pleaded guilty to the charges. However, he then fled and went into hiding without returning to court for his sentencing.
In order to discover any leads on his whereabouts, detectives began searching for clues on the internet. To their surprise, both of the social websites listed above contained his residence and his place of work: a tattoo parlor. For their convenience, his hours at the Indiana shop were also listed. In case there was any doubt, he also included his "wanted" poster on his account.
Once the Marshals in Indiana were alerted of his presence, Mr. Crego was apprehended, charged $25,000 for escaping justice, and given his notice of a hearing in April.
The Buffalo News goes on to report that Capt. Ricard Podgers said, "People who were hurt by him were thrilled that we went to get him." His list of charges included second-degree assault, DWI, marijuana possession, animal cruelty for shooting birds with a BB gun, and now escaping.
Mr. Crego asked for an Indiana public defender; however, the Vigo Superior Court judge stated that he would be extradited to New York. There is no word yet on if he will ask for a New York criminal defense attorney.
Related Resources:
- Police Find NY Fugitive With Facebook & Myspace Info (Legally Weird)
- Oh, the Stupidity! Zeppelin Prison Escape Attempt Is A Disaster (Legal Grounds)
- Facebook Poke Could Lead To Jail Time (FindLaw Blotter)
- New York Criminal Defense Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
