ACSO - News Release

PITTSBURGH, PA - Sheriff William P. Mullen announces the apprehension of Francis Modla, 41 years old, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Modla was wanted on multiple warrants from both Pennsylvania and Michigan. Modla has been working as a home improvement contractor in this area under the alias of Damien O’Carroll or Burgh Granite. Both North Fayette and Ross Township Police have recently charged him on theft charges for scamming consumers out of thousands of dollars. He was also wanted in Washtenaw and Oakland Counties in Michigan. Washtenaw County charged Modla for Sex Offenders-Failure to Comply with Registration Act. In 2003, he was found guilty of Criminal Sexual Conduct- Victim between 13 and 16 years of age. Oakland County wanted Modla for Child Support-failing to pay, with outstanding arrearages of $26,214.33, as of November 24, 2008 is.

This evening, sheriff’s deputies received information from North Fayette Police that the fugitive was staying at an apartment in Millvale. Detectives went to this residence located in the 400 block of Grant Street to locate the fugitive. Upon gaining entry in to this second floor apartment, deputies found Modla hiding behind a couch. He refused numerous commands from deputies to surrender himself and had to be physically removed him from his hiding place. After being removed from behind the couch, Modla was apprehended without further incident. He was then lodged in the Allegheny County Jail and will be arraigned Wednesday morning on the above charges. After the adjudication of his two outstanding criminal cases in Allegheny County, Modla will eventually be extradited back to Michigan on the outstanding warrants from Washtenaw and Oakland counties.

For any media wanting a picture of Modla please visit the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office website at www.sheriffalleghenycounty.com.