The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the U.S. Marshals Service are actively seeking Michael Edward Akerly, who remains one of PSP’s Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives. Authorities are offering a combined reward of $10,000. The reward includes $5,000 from PSP and an additional $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals for any information leading to his capture.
Akerly is wanted on a federal arrest warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals Erie Field Office for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The warrant was signed on Nov. 4, 1999, by a United States Magistrate Judge. In addition, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office seeks Akerly on charges of sexual assault.
On Feb. 4, 1998, Akerly allegedly met a female victim at a tavern in Erie, Pennsylvania. He invited her to his residence which at the time was an old warehouse on Plum Street in Erie City where he brutally assaulted her, striking her in the head, face, and body. Akerly was arrested and charged but failed to appear in court and has been a fugitive ever since.
Last Known Address is within Erie County, PA however the suspect is known to frequent Wattsburg in Erie County, Chautauqua New York where he could be hiding in an Amish community, and in North Carolina.
Akerly is known to frequent music stores and recording studios. He has gone by the alias, “Pip.”
Anyone with information on Akerly’s whereabouts is urged to contact PSP Tips at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477) or submit a tip online.
All tips can remain anonymous. Cash rewards are available for information that leads to an arrest, solves a crime or cold case, or locates a wanted or missing person.