Authorities seek South Side man again

YOUNGSTOWN — Fugitive hunters who have arrested Preston L. Cunningham again and again are looking for him — again.

For the fifth time, members of the FBI/Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force are searching for the 32-year-old South Side man charged with rape.

This time, the search is based on a warrant issued out of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in late February. Judge James C. Evans was told then that Cunningham, who was out on bond and under electronically monitored house arrest with work privileges, had fled.

Cunningham was featured in The Vindicator as fugitive of the week in March. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to call (330) 533-2017.

City Detective Sgt. John Elberty, a task force member, said Cunningham may have gone to Alabama where he has relatives. Elberty said the FBI is expected to issue a UFAP — Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant — that would alert law enforcement nationwide of the search for Cunningham.

Elberty said he doesn’t understand why Cunningham wasn’t kept in jail after violating bond conditions so many times. “When does this court system get straightened out?” he wondered.

The courts “crank out warrants and we arrest, he bonds out, doesn’t show for court, and another warrant is issued,” Elberty said. “He’s been a flight risk because he only appears in court half the time.”

For complete story, see Monday's Vindicator or www.vindy.com.