Scranton Businessman on the Lam

SCRANTON – A Scranton businessman, who was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in a federal correctional institute, failed to surrender himself into custody this past Tuesday.

55-year-old Joseph P. Donahue, of Clarks Summit, was convicted of bank fraud, money laundering, giving false statements and credit card fraud charges.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Donahue.

The following is the press release from the US Department of Justice:

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED AFTER JOSEPH DONAHUE FAILS TO REPORT TO BEGIN SERVING 121-MONTH FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that today the federal District Court in Scranton has issued an arrest warrant for Joseph P. Donahue, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, after he failed to report yesterday to the Federal Correctional Institution at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, to begin serving his 121-month prison sentence.

According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Donahue was sentenced on December 7, 2010, following his conviction earlier in 2010 on bank fraud, money laundering, false statement, and credit card fraud charges. As part of the sentencing order, Donahue was ordered to report to the designated federal prison on January 4, 2010. His request for release pending the appeal of his conviction was denied by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on December 22, 2010.

Individuals who have information regarding Donahue’s whereabouts are asked to contact the United States Marshals Service at (570) 346-7277.