Woman Hid Alleged Bucks Co. Child Rapist, Police Say

SOLEBURY TOWNSHIP, PA — A woman has been arrested for providing cover for an alleged child rapist who has eluded police since last week. Meredith Custodio, 58, is charged with hindering apprehension and criminal conspiracy to auto theft.

Police say Custodio concealed the whereabouts of David Hamilton Jr., a 47-year-old Trevose resident who is wanted by Lower Southampton Police on 12 child sex assault charges, including child rape.

Custodio also lied to authorities during the investigation and assisted Hamilton with taking a car from a residence on Bobwhite Road in Solebury Township, police said. Authorities say Custodio was a caregiver for an elderly Solebury woman. Custodio had contact with Hamilton in the past, and was in touch with him again Friday, when she allegedly gave him cover as authorities searched for him.

A warrant for Hamilton's arrest was issued on Sept. 19. Authorities have been actively searching for him since Friday, when he seen crossing a bridge from Morrisville into Trenton. Later that day he was spotted in Solebury Township.

Authorities said Wednesday Hamilton may be camping along the canal in the New Hope/Lamberville area. He may be using a white tent with a red top.

On Thursday, authorities announced he was seen in Delaware in the stolen car.

Custodio was processed and arraigned. Bail was set at $150,000/10 percent. She was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15, court documents show.

Image via Lower Southampton PD