Punxsutawney Phil Replies To Allegations & Warrant

On Wednesday March 21st, The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for the arrest of Punxsutawney Phil on the charge of deception, stating that on February 2nd 2018, Punxsutawney Phil promised that there would be six more weeks of winter.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office alleges that this promise expired on March 16th, spurring the filing of charges and issuance of the warrant.
 
Earlier today, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have launched an investigation into the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office allegations against Punxsutawney Phil and his winter weather forecast.

Today at 4pm, Phil attended a press conference at the Jefferson County Courthouse  to respond to the accusations.

Jefferson County Sheriff  Carl Gotwald Sr. acknowledged the warrant, placing Phil under protective security though their department and under the extra security of K9 Iron.

The Risk Management Chairman of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle shared Phil’s statement in response to the allegations and warrant.

”It is usually that squirrels and chipmunks complain about a long winter. Maybe an occasional aardvark. I say this to Monroe County Sheriff. I just call it like it is. arrest mother nature. Don’t arrest the messenger.”
-Punxsutawney Phil via issued statement

​The Risk Management Chairman went on to say:

​“As his protectors and handlers, we are here to say This vicious character attack will not stand. This aggression will not stand. We very much love and respect our law enforcement officers in the state and elsewhere, but it would appear our friends in blue in Monroe County are acting a bit, well, squirrelly.”