Former Bourbon Man Wanted On Rape Charges Arrested

A former Bourbon man wanted for more than two years was arrested Friday by the Crawford County and Franklin County sheriff’s offices.

Paul E. Burks II, 41, now of Catawissa, was charged in November 2021 for two counts of first-degree statutory rape involving a person under 14.

The incidents allegedly happened in 2014 and 2016.

Burks was one of Crawford County’s most wanted fugitives.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on Nov. 22, 2021, with a $100,000 cash bond. 

Sheriff Darin Layman said several leads were provided to the office over the years, but Burks remained at large.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division (CIC) developed new information and followed leads to Burks at a residence in Catawissa, a town about four miles south of Pacific. 

Burks was transported to the Crawford County Jail, where he remains in custody, Layman said.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 29.

“Mr. Burks is in custody and the judicial process can proceed,” Layman said in a press release. “Hopefully, some closure for the persons involved with these crimes can begin. I applaud the hard work of our CID for making this happen, and the assistance of our partners at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. I am truly thankful to have dedicated employees who seek justice for victims.”