U.S. Marshals Capture Man Who Skipped Prison Sentence

A Philadelphia man who failed to report for his prison sentence in a Lower Bucks County drug case was apprehended Tuesday morning by federal authorities.

Troy Hopkins, 35, was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia.

Hopkins had been a fugitive since skipping his court-ordered surrender date last September, according to authorities.

On Aug. 5, 2025, Hopkins pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility, and possession of a controlled substance. The charges stemmed from an arrest by Middletown Township police.

Senior Judge Stephen Lieberman, a Berks County judge assisting the Bucks County courts, sentenced Hopkins to 38 to 49 months in prison at the time.

Lieberman granted Hopkins a self-surrender date in early September, but issued a clear warning during the hearing, according to court papers.

“If you would fail to appear and a bench warrant would be issued, I’ll immediately just vacate this sentence and you’re back to square one, OK,” Lieberman said, according to court documents.

“Yes, sir,” Hopkins reportedly replied.

After Hopkins failed to report to the Bucks County Correctional Facility, county detectives filed an additional felony charge of default in required appearance.

Federal officials said Hopkins was also wanted on four additional warrants, including multiple probation violations.

The Bucks County Detectives requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals late last month to locate the 35-year-old.

“Failure to appear for sentencing is a serious violation of a court order,” said Robert Clark, the supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal. “The arrest of Troy Hopkins once again confirms the Marshal Service’s commitment to supporting Bucks County law enforcement.”