A father faces charges after allegedly attempting to hide his 4-day-old baby from Children and Youth officials.
Arnell Ruben Weaver, 51, of 201 E. Main St., Millheim, faces one felony charge of interference with the custody of children.
According to court records, on Oct. 15, a Centre County judge issued a court order that required Weaver and Amber Beil to relinquish custody of their 4-day-old daughter to the Centre County Children and Youth Office.
State police contacted Weaver on Oct. 16 and told him about the court order. When asked to hand over the baby, Weaver allegedly refused.
On Oct. 17, state and Old Lycoming Township police tracked Weaver to 3731 Lycoming Creek Road, Lot 4. There, Old Lycoming Police Chief Solomon spoke with Weaver and showed him the court documents.
According to police, Weaver was asked three times to take them to where the baby was hidden. He refused all three times but assured them the child was safe.
Police told Weaver he either would have to relinquish custody of the child or be taken into custody. Weaver allegedly pointed to Lot 4 to indicate that the baby was inside the residence.
Weaver told police he had been hiding the baby because he was in the process of securing a legal guardian for her, and he didn't want her handed over to the state before he was able to arrange the guardianship, according to court records.
He explained he had been concealing her since her birth, several days ago. According to Weaver, she had been concealed at several other residences, but he refused to tell police where.
Weaver was arraigned before District Justice James H. Sortman on Oct. 17 and has been released on $25,000 bail.
