Harrell missing, trial suspended

Hannah Armenta

Willie J. Harrell, Jr., the former Kent State University professor who was arrested on Aug 28. 2015, after being caught meeting with a 15-year-old boy with the intent to pursue a sexual relationship, cannot be located.

Harrell’s lawyer, Kevin J. Breen’s, request to be taken off the case was approved on in Jan. 8, 2016. Breen has had no contact with Harrell since Nov. 16, 2015, according to a court document.

Harrell is charged with two felonies: importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He also violated adult curfew.

Harrell was caught trying to flee to Canada in November. He told Canadian authorities he was trying to flee the country to avoid prosecution in his case in the Summit County Pleas Court.

Altisource, a rental property agency, has searched the home and believes no one residing there.

According to a court document, the case has been removed from the pending case list for the court for “termination by reason of unavailability for trial.”

On Jan. 11, 2016, Seema Misra, assistant prosecuting attorney with the Summit County Prosecutors Office, and Harrell’s council, Kevin Breen, appeared before court for the final pretrial. Harrell’s original trial was set for Jan. 21, 2016, however, since he is unavailable it has been vacated.

The Summit County Court issued a warrant for Harrell’s arrest.

“Mr. Harrell is currently a fugitive from justice, but we are confident he will be located and arrested. When he is returned to Summit County, we will prosecute the case,” said James Pollack, director of communications for the Summit County Prosecutors Office.

Eric Mansfield, communications director for Kent State, confirmed Harrell is terminated from the university. He taught at the university for 12 years in the English department.

In 2014, Provost Todd Diacon named Harrell the provost’s fellow for 2014-2015.