District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the person reported to be the primary fentanyl dealer in the Kane area has been sentenced to state prison following a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on February 1^st.  Catherine Morrison, of Kane, was charged by the McKean County Drug Task Force with Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activities and several Drug Deliveries around the Kane Area.

Last fall, the McKean County Drug Task Force received a tip that Catherine Morrison was the primary fentanyl dealer in the Kane Area and actively selling narcotics around Kane.

Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling initiated an investigation after receiving reports from citizens who reported their suspicions to Chief Yingling.  Over the next several weeks, Detectives set up surveillance on Morrison and charged her with delivering drugs as well as using the proceeds of drug sales to promote additional drug sales.

Between September 28, 2023 and October 24, 2023, Morrison delivered Methamphetamine and/or a Fentanyl/Xylazine mixture on three occasions in the Kane area.  Immediately after the third delivery occurred, Detectives initiated a traffic stop on Morrison and executed a search warrant at the residence at which she resided.  Additional Methamphetamine and Fentanyl/Xylazine mixtures were located.  Xylazine was just classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in Pennsylvania in June due to its potency and dangerous effects.  It is a sedative approved for veterinarian use. It is often seen combined with Fentanyl.  Fentanyl is known to be mixed with nearly every drug and often leads to drug overdose deaths. 

Another Kane woman – Tia Dyne – was also charged with drug crimes by the McKean County Drug Task Force.  Her cases remain pending.

At yesterdays sentencing hearing, Morrison was sentenced to a period of incarceration of 3 ½ years to 7 years in state prison plus 1 year of post-entry supervision as well as other terms such as drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment; provide a DNA sample; pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force; and pay lab user fees.

At the time of the arrests, District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer thanked the community members who worked with the Task Force for their help in working with Detectives and reporting their suspicious to the officers and also thanked the Detectives.

DA Vettenburg-Shaffer:  “Detectives estimate that the arrest of Morrison likely prevented approximately 4000 bags of fentanyl from being distributed annually in the Kane area.  This drug enterprise consisted of bringing the drugs into Kane, selling them, and then using the money to purchase more from a supplier in Pittsburgh.  Citizens coming forward is an integral aspect of drug investigations.  Communities recognize that this is a community problem and community collaboration was key in this investigation. The citizens worked with the Detectives for an excellent outcome which has had a huge impact on the safety and well-being of people in Kane.   

Chief Ryan Yingling was the lead investigator and filed charges in this case. 

If you suspect illegal drug activity, please contact the McKean County Drug Task Force at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.