HARRISBURG, Pa (WJAC) — US Marshals captured a fugitive on Thursday who escaped from a Pennsylvania facility in 2012, according to a release from the Marshal's office.

Authorities say now 45-year-old Tomas Morales-Cresente escaped from a Federal Correctional Facility in Schuylkill County in July of 2012.

Morales-Cresente was convicted in April 2009 for possession of a weapon and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the release states, and was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison.

Authorities note that in February 2012, he was transferred to the Federal prison camp in Schuylkill County that he eventually fled from.

During a 7+ year investigation, authorities say the US Marshals pursued leads of Morales-Cresente's whereabouts all across the northeastern part of the United States, as well as in Puerto Rico.

Earlier this year, authorities say they received information that Morales-Cresente was living in New York under an assumed name, Danny Rivera.

On Thursday, around 7 a.m., US Marshals from Pennsylvania and New York located and apprehended Morales-Cresente at a residence in Ellenville, New York.

He has since been brought back to Pa for arraignment, the release states, and the US Marshals are continuing to investigate if anyone aided in his escape and harboring.

“The closure of the case against Morales-Cresente sends a strong message to other fugitives, especially those who have eluded capture for so long,” said United States Marshal Pane.

“It is vitally important fugitives are caught and held accountable for their actions or in this case to serve their entire sentence.”

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqsBuucCrqqGZnKh6pK3PrayrnV2bwqi106KtnmWnnbxusdKcmKmdlGKzs7vMZqeaZZaWsKq4yK2wZqGeYn9xfZE%3D