Felon vanishes after judge said OK to be free 3 hours before going to prison

Updated: Oct. 4 3:40pm

South Shore law enforcement is looking for a man who left Barton Memorial Hospital late Thursday morning when he was supposed to be headed to prison.

Anthony James Katello is 51, 5-feet-11, 180 pounds, and has brown hair. He was last seen wearing green shorts and no shirt.

El Dorado County sheriff’s Lt. Pete Van Arnum said a judge let Katello out for three hours so he could get his affairs in order before being sent to prison on spousal abuse charges. A church member was driving Katello around on errands. One of the stops was the hospital. Van Arnum did not why they went there.

Anthony James Katello

Lake Tahoe News has been told Katello went back inside saying he forgot something. That is the last time the volunteer saw the man.

An airplane, K9 units and officers from multiple agencies have been scouring the area. As of 3:40pm Oct. 4 the suspect was still on the loose. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

“We have contacted the spouse. We are taking action to ensure her safety at this time,” Van Arnum told Lake Tahoe News. The woman does not live in South Lake Tahoe.

The individual is not considered dangerous, however, if anyone sees a person matching this description they should call dispatch at (530) 542.6100 or 911.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report