Joseph William Chapman
Cops: Escapee Preys On Single Mothers
View Larger Joseph Chapman escaped the McKean County Jail in 2007 and police fear he will victimize more children, if he hasn't already.
On July 30, 2007, Joseph Chapman escaped from the McKean County Prison. He'd been assigned a morning work detail and seized the opportunity to run.
Authorities discovered Chapman's prison uniform by a nearby stream, but Chapman has been incognito ever since. He now faces escape charges.
The Emporium Police Department joined forces with the U.S. Marshals Service's Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to aid in the pursuit of Chapman. Although Chapman's whereabouts remain a mystery, the U.S. Marshals have uncovered evidence that leads them to believe many of Chapman's sexual attacks have never been reported. As a result, several new criminal charges have been filed against Chapman, including: rape of a child and two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child.
According to authorities, Chapman has made a habit of targeting single women with children. Police say he preys on their insecurities and low self-esteem -- or in some cases, developmental disabilities -- in order to weasel his way into their life. Chapman relies on the internet as his facilitator.
Once Chapman establishes a relationship, he typically assumes a stay-at-home lifestyle. He works on computers or other types of hands-on repair work. Cops say this type of work allows him to stay home and watch the children while their unsuspecting mother is at work.
Repeat Offender Lurks Freely
View Larger Chapman has an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which causes him to squint frequently -- especially if he isn't wearing his prescription eyeglasses.
Chapman is a convicted rapist. On July 26, 2002, officers with the the Emporium Police Department originally arrested Chapman for statutory sexual assault on a minor. He was ordered to fulfill a prison sentence in the McKean County Jail but was released on parole.
In early 2007, Chapman violated his parole when he was arrested for DUI, attempting to elude police and reckless endangerment. As a result, Chapman's parole on the 2002 statutory assault case was revoked and he was sent back to McKean County Prison. Nevertheless, he escaped.
Police believe Chapman may be lurking in Northern Pennsylvania. If you know where Joseph Chapman is, call 1-800-CRIME-TV.
Wanted For:
- Involuntary Deviant Sexual Intercourse (2 Counts) , Emporium , PA ; Aug 06, 2007
- Escape , McKean County , PA ; Jul 30, 2007
- Rape Of Child , Emporium , PA ; Aug 06, 2007
