SMETHPORT – Kane-based state police are looking for an inmate
trustee that walked away from his unsupervised duties sometime
between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday at the McKean County Prison in
Smethport.

Joseph William Chapman, 23, is being considered an escapee by
prison staff after he didn’t show for lunch about 12:30 p.m.,
according to court papers filed at Magisterial District Judge
William Todd’s office. The papers read that the inmate, working as
a trustee, was able to complete unsupervised duties outside of the
prison.

The court papers add that when he did not show for lunch, a
search ensued and his orange jail clothing was found along the
creek near the prison.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Chapman, according to
court papers.

State police report Chapman was transferred to the McKean County
Prison from Cameron County detention after he violated probation.
His original charges include statutory sexual assault, Kane-based
state police said.

Warden Tim Woodruff said Chapman was transferred to the prison
from Cameron County to conduct community service after time served
with good behavior.

“He has been participating in the program for a couple of months
without problems,” said Woodruff Monday evening.

Woodruff said officials put the prison on lockdown immediately
after Chapman was discovered missing, adding the lockdown was later
taken off.

Bradford City Police were also notified that he may be in the
Bradford City area.

City Police Lt. Linda Close said the department was notified
that Chapman was considered an escapee.

“There were a couple of places (in Bradford) they wanted to
check out and the state police did come in and check a residence,”
said Close at about 9 p.m. Monday. “He has not been found in the
area.”

A police report describes Chapman as standing 5 foot, nine
inches tall and weighing 180 lbs. It also said he may have a small
thin beard and has a tattoo of a mushroom on his right ankle.

Woodruff said the prison will still have inmates working in the
community even after this event.

“The only other thing to do is to discontinue the community
service program – but it would be unfortunate to do that,” Woodruff
said.

State police ask anyone with information about the incident to
contact them or McKean County Emergency 911.

No further information was available at press time.