(Publisher’s Note: This is another article in a series of FAKE NEWS pieces that appear on Sunday evenings on LEDE News. This story is NOT true, but it represents another is a series of satirical articles.)
A Pennsylvania man was arrested late Saturday night after a neighbor witnessed suspicious activity and called the Ohio County 9-1-1 Center.
The arrest took place at the end of Elmwood Place near Wheeling Park, and the 77-year-old man was identified as Mickey Bumfield, a former prelate for the Mountain State Diocese. Bumfield was banished from the state of West Virginia by the Vatican in 2020, so it is uncertain if he will face further punishment for being in the state.
“The caller told the dispatcher it appeared the man was digging in a yard on that property,” explained Police Chief John Schwartzmiller. “When our officers arrived on the scene, it did appear the man was searching for something because there were a few holes on the side of the property.
“The officer said he wasn’t a problem when apprehended, but they also said he was surprised he was breaking any laws,” the chief added. “He kept telling them that he used to live there and that he was only looking for his belongings.”
Bumfield was charged with trespassing and destruction of property, was arraigned by Ohio County Magistrate, and was immediately released on $10,000 bond. Following his arraignment, Bumfield addressed media members collected outside the Spillers Annex in downtown Wheeling.
“I am speaking to you to apologize for any scandal or wonderment caused by words or actions attributed to me this evening,” he said. “That was never my intent. If anything I said or did caused others to feel that way, then they’ll just have to get over it.”
Bumfield, who has been described by his critics as a “disgraced cleric,” addressed the allegations involving the digging in the property, as well.
“During my tenure I was reimbursed for certain expenditures that have been called into question as excessive, and I have been advised that I should reimburse a certain amount to the Diocese. I have now done so, even though I believed that such reimbursements to me were proper,” he said. “But my treasure is my treasure, and that’s not something I will ever apologize for.”
According to Schwartzmiller, Bumfield refused to reveal what he was searching for buried on the property.
“We’re not yet sure what he was digging for, but he was intent on finding something in that yard,” the chief said. “I’m sure the new property owner will have the area checked to see what they can find. If there is something under there, it will become of the property of the current owner. The suspect referred to it as a treasure, so we will see.”
