District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the women arrested during a drug detail in July has pled guilty to delivering methamphetamine and cocaine. Katlyn Buterbaugh, formerly of School Street in Bradford, was charged by McKean County Drug Task Force Detective Michael Ward after the Task Force received reports of her using her residence for drug distribution within Bradford. 

During a plea hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on March 12, 2026, BUTERBAUGH pled guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) (Felony); Delivery of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) (Felony); and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) (Felony).

At the time of the arrest, District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer recognized the Detectives and the City of Bradford for their efforts on the joint drug detail.  DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The work of the McKean County Drug Task Force is often out of the spotlight, but I wanted to take the opportunity to express gratitude for their continuous efforts through lengthy investigations and countless tips. 

The amount of time behind each investigation is tremendous and often unseen by the public.  When the Detectives identified drug activity near a local school, they prioritized those investigations.  Through countless months of police work, they were able to build cases which can often be a lengthy process that requires the building of a puzzle to establish probable cause or the bases for a search warrant or criminal charges.  

It may be noted that many of the recent arrests were related to alleged crimes committed in Bradford and some with ties to a residence in a school zone in Bradford.  I want to acknowledge the collaboration of the City of Bradford for their dedication to drug work.  The City routinely assigns their Officers who work on the McKean County Drug Task Force to dedicate their regular police shifts to the McKean County Drug Task Force to focus on drug crimes that impact the City. 

This ongoing partnership has benefited the City as well as surrounding areas because drug crimes are not confined to one location but have a rippling effect throughout.  Thank you to Mayor Riel, City Administrator Eric Taylor, Chief Michael Ward and City Council.” Following her arrest, Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther set her bail at $200,000. BUTERBAUGH will be sentenced in April.