Police say Georgia fugitive spent nearly 40 years living under assumed name

Published 4:00 pm Monday, June 20, 2016

Residents of Laurel County, Kentucky were shocked this week when charges were filed against their long-time neighbor, who authorities say is actually a fugitive. 

Harold Bill Arnold, 67, was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from Georgia and living under the forged identity of his deceased cousin for the past 37 years. Authorities say Arnold’s true identity is Billy James Burchfield of Dalton, Georgia and that he escaped prison in 1979, where he had been serving a 16-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter.

“He (Arnold) denied being that person but we took fingerprints and sent them to the Kentucky State Police and FBI labs,” said Laurel County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Public Affairs Officer Gilbert Acciardo. “We put a rush on it and got the results back that night. Both sources confirmed that he was Billy Burchfield.”

Burchfield, under the name of Bill Arnold, operated Arnold’s Place, a convenience store and gas station. He also worked in the construction field and as a commercial truck driver. 

This arrest and the revelations from his previous life came as a shock to people in the community who know Burchfield as a businessman and church member.

Charles Shelton, pastor of Grace Community Church, was in the courtroom Friday morning to show support for his congregation member.

“I’ve known him 20 years and have been his pastor for 19,” said an obviously emotional Shelton. “This is a shock.”

Shelton said he considered Arnold a friend and that he was “very close friends” with Arnold’s deceased wife, Carol. But Shelton said he heard of the incident and went to be with Arnold immediately.

“I don’t know what happened 39 years ago,” Shelton added. “I’m here moreso to be with him now during this.”

Shelton said Arnold was a compassionate man who helped others.

Arnold’s ex-wife, Jean Ferguson, was also present for Friday’s hearing. She found it difficult to hold back her emotions as she listened to the charges against her former husband.

“He is a wonderful man,” Ferguson said. “I am totally blown away by this. I’m in shock.”

Ferguson said she had no idea of Arnold’s secret life and past history until his arrest on Wednesday. Ferguson was married to Arnold for six years, she said. Although the couple had no children together, Ferguson described Arnold as “a second daddy to my youngest son.”

After a tip, Georgia officials found where Burchfield worked and the Kentucky State Police fingerprinted him, finding a match under his real name. 

Shelton said he would continue to show support for his church member while these accusations “are straightened out.” 

“I’ve known him for 20 years,” Shelton added. “The man that escaped prison is not the man I know now.”