Fugitive Wanted in Philadelphia Since 1990 Arrested in Florida

A fugitive wanted in Pennsylvania since 1990 has been arrested in Florida, announced Edward J. Hanko, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. Matthew Hebert, 42, had been sought on a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (UFAP) for aggravated assault, burglary, and related offenses.

The federal UFAP arrest warrant was issued in December 2013; it was based upon a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Northampton County arrest warrant issued March 31, 1990, charging Hebert in the home invasion robbery and assault earlier that day of Pen Argyl residents Allie and Florence van Dorn. At that time, Hebert and two accomplices were arrested by the Plainfield Township Police Department. Hebert subsequently jumped bail and fled the state.

Early Thursday, January 16, deputies with the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office encountered Hebert in Seffner, Florida. Based on NCIC information recently entered by the FBI’s Allentown Resident Agency, officers discovered the UFAP warrant against Hebert and placed him under arrest. Hebert will be returned to Pennsylvania by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office.

It is anticipated that the federal government will dismiss the UFAP warrant for Hebert, and he will be prosecuted on the state charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, burglary, and criminal conspiracy.

The FBI would like to thank the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, the Plainfield Township Police Department, and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this matter.