Authorities have now charged the wife of a Mercer County man accused of attempting to flee prosecution for allegedly raping two children.

Catherine Jean Hazen, 37, of Sheakleyville, has been charged with hindering the apprehension of her 46-year-old husband, Robert Hazen.

Robert Hazen has a case pending in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on 13 charges, including rape, endangering children, and sexual assault.  The alleged victims were under 16 years old, according to court records.

U.S. Marshals took Hazen into custody in Arizona on February 1 after Pennsylvania State Police issued a warrant for his arrest. Hazen now faces an additional charge of flight to avoid prosecution.

Investigators say that Hazen and his wife had been in contact with each other by phone during the time he was missing

Police say the two discussed their tree service business and selling various items.

Catherine Hazen sent several pictures of their children to her husband, while he sent pictures of himself to his wife in the area he had been living, according to police.

The affidavit recounts one text message from Catherine Hazen telling her husband in which she allegedly wrote "Call me ASAP. That stupid detective called me and left a voice mail."

Robert Hazen has been brought back to Mercer County.  Both he and his wife are currently free on bond.