ARKWRIGHT - A New York State Police officer confirmed late Sunday night that Joshua Tompkins, who has lived on Center Road, has been positively identified as Joseph Chapman, one of "America's Most Wanted" and an escapee from McKean County Prison in Pennsylvania.
Taken into custody late Sunday afternoon by State Police at Fredonia, Chapman could not produce identification with his alias on it except for a bill. U.S. Marshals and the FBI worked with local troopers to make a positive identification.
According to the website for the "America's Most Wanted" television series, Chapman is a convicted rapist who was originally arrested for statutory sexual assault on a minor and released on parole. He violated parole and was sent back to jail.
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Joseph Chapman
Chapman escaped from a work detail at the prison on July 30, 2007. Now he is wanted for escape.
In addition, 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.
At press time, state police said Chapman will be arraigned and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Pennsylvania authorities will be notified.
