Rockwell Bolts From Renewal, Faces New Federal Charge

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Christopher Rockwell, 39, of Turtle Creek, is back in the crosshairs of federal authorities after allegedly ditching his confinement at Renewal, Inc. on December 27, 2012. A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a one-count indictment against Rockwell this week, charging him with escape from federal custody.

According to the indictment, Rockwell didn’t just wander off. He escaped – knowingly leaving the confines of Renewal, Inc., located at 339 Boulevard of the Allies, and simply failing to return. This wasn’t a jailbreak from a maximum-security prison; it was a walkaway from a federal halfway house, a move that now carries significant consequences.

Rockwell’s history is already checkered. He was previously convicted of bank robbery in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. That conviction landed him in the custody of the Attorney General of the United States, ultimately leading to his placement at Renewal, Inc. – a placement he apparently decided wasn’t to his liking.

If convicted, Rockwell is looking at a maximum sentence of five years behind bars, alongside a potential fine of $250,000. But the final sentence won’t be a simple calculation. Federal Sentencing Guidelines will weigh the severity of this escape against Rockwell’s already existing criminal record. Expect a harsh outcome if the feds decide to make an example of him.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King is leading the prosecution. The investigation that led to the indictment was spearheaded by the United States Marshals Service – they’re the ones who tracked down the details of Rockwell’s disappearance and brought him back into the legal system.

It’s crucial to remember: an indictment is merely an accusation. Rockwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But given his prior conviction and this latest charge, Rockwell is facing an uphill battle. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.