On March 13th, 2026, at approximately 1532 hours, City of Bradford Police officers located an individual, Dennis W. Fox, on Main Street and took him into custody for an active arrest warrant.
During the arrest, officers discovered the individual to be in possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. The individual was transported to the City of Bradford Police Department and then to the Magistrate’s Office in relation to the warrant.
These new drug-related offenses have been charged and filed against him at Magistrate Luther’s. A later court date will be set to address these charges. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and will continue to work diligently to address illegal drug activity. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ARREST Incident Summary: Intentional Property Damage at 33 Leland Avenue On March 17th, 2026, at approximately 1624 hours, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a report of a neighbor shooting a house window with a BB gun at 33 Leland Avenue, lower apartment.
Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who showed them the damaged window and reported witnessing the BB gun being pointed from a window and then shooting at their window, causing the damage. Officers made contact with the suspect, Mearlyn Atkinson, who admitted to owning the CO2 pistol and firing 5-9 shots at the window.
The suspect’s actions were deemed intentional, stemming from a prior disagreement between the two parties. Fortunately, no one was in the room where the window was broken. The estimated damage is valued at $450.00.
Charges have been filed accordingly at Magistrate Luther’s Office, and a court hearing date will be pending. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of intentional property damage seriously and encourages anyone with information or concerns to contact us.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Lewis Run man is charged with Conspiring to Retaliate against someone who testified against a man in a prior hearing involving Rape and Sexual Abuse of a Child.
Peter ROSS is charged with Conspiracy Retaliation (2 counts) and Conspiracy Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. The complaint accuses ROSS of conspiring with Ray COAST, who is currently being held in jail after being unable to post $3 million bail on a prior case involving hundreds of counts of Rape, Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography) and Stalking, to retaliate against a victim who testified against COAST during a preliminary hearing on his prior cases.
The two are accused of planning to contact the victim’s employer and to post things about the victim to an anonymous social media page, urging that they need the victim to be fired before his trial. The two allegedly engaged in discussions about the plans to do things for the purpose of discrediting the victim, referencing that it will make his case that much better and his lawyer can use it and, further, they are alleged to have engaged in discussion about ways to hurt the victim’s career or his reputation.
Following these discussions, the victim’s employer is alleged to have received materials from ROSS that were intended to hurt the victim’s employment status and another person reportedly was contacted in furtherance of the conspiracy to retaliate. ROSSD was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail on this case at $150,000. All persons charged are presumed innocent.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that additional charges related to child pornography and conspiring to retaliate against a victim have been filed against Ray Edward COAST who is currently being held on $3 million on two prior cases including hundreds of counts of sex crimes including Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) and Stalking.
By criminal complaint filed on March 20, 2026, COAST is now also charged with Conspiracy Retaliation against A Victim (2 counts); Criminal Use of a Communication Facility; Photographing/Filming Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography) (4 counts); and Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography (5 counts).
The complaint accuses COAST of conspiring with Peter ROSS, of Lewis Run, to retaliate against a victim who testified against him during a preliminary hearing on his prior cases-discussing a plan to contact a victim’s employer and to post things about the victim to an anonymous social media page, urging that they need the victim to be fired before his trial.
The two are accused of engaging in discussions about the plans to do things for the purpose of discrediting the victim, referencing that it will make his case that much better and his lawyer can use it and discussing ways to hurt the victim’s career or his reputation and materials were, in fact, sent to the victim’s employer and another person was contacted, allegedly in furtherance of the conspiracy to retaliate.
The complaint also alleges that COAST video-taped himself engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor boy and possessed a video and photograph of 2 boys who appear to be between 8 and 10 years old engaging in sexual activity.
COAST was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail on this case at $150,000. He remains incarcerated on $3 million in the other cases. All persons charged are presumed innocent.
On March 16, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a reported break-in at 84 Maplewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals inside the residence, with one of them stripping wire from the home.
The reporting party had been checking the property and found the individuals, who did not have permission to enter the structure. As a result of the investigation, the two individuals were taken into custody.
The male suspect Jason McCracken and the female suspect, were both charged with criminal trespass. Additionally, the female suspect, Candace M. Crawford, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia at the time of her arrest.
Both suspects were arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail, each on $50,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and property of our community. If you have any information about this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact us at 814-887-4911.
On March 16, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a reported break-in at 84 Maplewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals inside the residence, with one of them stripping wire from the home.
The reporting party had been checking the property and found the individuals, who did not have permission to enter the structure. As a result of the investigation, the two individuals were taken into custody. The male suspect Jason McCracken and the female suspect, were both charged with criminal trespass.
Additionally, the female suspect, Candace M. Crawford, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia at the time of her arrest. Both suspects were arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail, each on $50,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and property of our community. If you have any information about this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact us at 814-887-4911.
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).
A Search warrant was served at 216 N. 15th Street for drugs. Investigators with the Street Crimes Unit located Fentanyl and cash in this apartment after a lengthy investigation for drug sales. The Police Departments Emergency Response team made entry into the apartment after encountering subjects located outside. 37 year old Ronald Daniels III , A.K.A. ” Q ” who resides at this apartment was arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree, ( B Felonies ) and Criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th degree ( C Felony ) and Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felony ). Daniels is currently being held for arraignment. The Street Crimes unit was assisted by the Southern tier regional drug task force and the Sheriffs K-9 unit.
On February 28, 2026, City of Bradford Police Department officers located a male, Thomas E. Hensley, at his residence 63 Belleview Avenue in the City of Bradford.
Hensley was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice on a New York State warrant for Felony Dangerous Drugs and Weapons Offenses. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Hensley, and he was denied bail and remanded to McKean County Jail until New York authorities extradite him.
Prior to extradition, Hensley will serve up to 130 days in McKean County Jail for local charges related to driving under suspension and DUI-related offenses.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On March 6, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, officers at the Bradford City Police Department responded to a disturbance directly outside the police station. The situation began when Norman Quinn entered the police department lobby requesting property from the department’s evidence room.
Officers explained that the item could not be retrieved immediately, and requires additional time to access. Unfortunately, patience was not part of the afternoon’s plan. After exiting the building, Quinn began loudly protesting the situation outside the police station. Despite multiple requests from officers to calm down and move along, the protest escalated into disorderly behavior that included shouting obscenities and making inappropriate gestures with his genitalia.
The disturbance quickly drew the attention of nearby residents, City Hall employees, and individuals in the area of the YMCA. Officers also observed signs that Quinn may have been under the influence of a controlled substance. Due to his continued disruptive behavior and refusal to comply with warnings, officers ultimately placed Quinn under arrest.
Quinn was charged with Disorderly Conduct (M3) and Public Drunkenness. Quinn was later arraigned by District Judge Engman, who set bail at $5,000 straight. Quinn was unable to post bail and was subsequently remanded to the McKean County Jail.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Kane man arrested after asking for nude photographs from a decoy with the online predator group “814predhunters” who he believed to be 15 years old has been sentenced to state incarceration. Jason GORRIE appeared before a McKean County Judge on March 5th for a sentencing hearing.
He had previously pled guilty to Criminal Use of a Communication Device and Attempted Sexual Abuse (commonly referred to as child pornography) both felonies. The case was investigated by Kane Borough Police Chief Derrick Snyder.
During the sentencing hearing, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer told the Court that the minimum range of sentence set by the legislature for the crime is a minimum of between 3 and 6 months of incarceration and Shaffer recommends a sentence at the high end of that range. She asked the Court to set a maximum so that his sentence would be served in a state prison rather than the county jail. DA Shaffer cited a letter GORRIE wrote to the Court in which GORRIE blamed his actions on a recent breakup with a girlfriend and for not taking medications for depression, autism, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Smethport man who previously pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children (commonly referred to as Child Pornography) has been sentenced to state prison. Frederick RASZMANN appeared before the Court for a sentencing hearing on March 5th.
During the hearing, the Judge sentenced RASZMANN to state prison for a period of 16 months to 32 months plus 3 years of consecutive probation. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne, who prosecuted the case: “This sentence concludes the case that resulted in RASZMANN admitting he possessed 119 images and 5 videos of child pornography.
RASZMANN is not eligible for any early parole programs and is also required to register as a Sex Offender for 15 years.”
City of Bradford Police Department Press Release On February 18, 2026, at approximately 1739 hours, City of Bradford Police Officers apprehended Theron Simmons on Main Street.
Simmons was taken into custody for an active McKean County Bench Warrant for failure to appear on a DUI sentencing. He was subsequently transported to McKean County Jail, where he will await sentencing. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to serving and protecting our community. If you have any information or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
City of Bradford Police Arrest Fugitive Wanted Out of Buffalo, NY On February 24, 2026, at approximately 4:02 PM, officers with the City of Bradford Police Department located and apprehended Ivan C. Williams, who was wanted on an active full extradition warrant issued by the City of Buffalo, New York.
The warrant stems from a firearms-related charge in Buffalo. Williams was taken into custody without incident. Williams was subsequently arraigned on the charge of Fugitive from Justice and was remanded without bail pending further proceedings and extradition to New York authorities.
The City of Bradford Police Department continues to work cooperatively with regional and out-of-state law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the City of Bradford Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeWatch.
Arrest Made in Burglary Investigation on Charlotte Avenue On February 24, 2026, at approximately 10:20 PM, officers from the City of Bradford Police Department responded to 21 Charlotte Avenue for a reported active break-in.
Upon arrival, officers conducted an investigation and located a male subject hiding in a closet inside a vacant upstairs apartment. The individual was identified as Anderson Tolbert Jr. Investigation revealed that entry had been gained through a broken window.
During the incident, Tolbert admitted that he entered the residence with the intent to take items he could “profit off of.” Tolbert was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Theft.
He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Luther, who set bail at $50,000 straight. Unable to post bail, Tolbert was remanded to the McKean County Jail pending further court proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing.
The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Jacob Kamats on an outstanding warrant related to a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order violation investigation.
On February 21, 2026, officers were notified of a potential PFA violation that occurred earlier in the day at the Bradford Family YMCA. Investigation determined that Kamats traveled from South Center Street—the residence of his protected partner—with his protected minor son to the YMCA.
While inside the facility, Kamats allegedly wrapped the child in plastic and placed the child in a sauna in an attempt to assist the child in cutting weight for a sporting event. City of Bradford street camera footage captured Kamats traveling between the YMCA and South Center Street, and surveillance documented his presence at the residence in violation of the active court order. Kamats was taken into custody on the warrant and arraigned before Judge Michele Alfieri-Causer. He was subsequently released pending further court proceedings.
The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Christian Clark in connection with a criminal mischief investigation stemming from an incident at Eternal Art Tattoo Shop, 5 Main Street.
On February 11, 2026, at approximately 7:22 AM, officers responded to the business after employees discovered the front window had been shattered overnight. Investigation determined that a heavy vape battery was used to break the window. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and conducted follow-up investigation, which led to the identification of Clark as the responsible party.
Clark was charged in connection with the damage to the business property and was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Luther. Bail was set at $20,000. Clark, unable to post bail was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
On February 18, 2026, at approximately 0219 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a reported burglary at 25 Willis Avenue. Upon arrival, officers learned that an 18-year-old male resident had confronted a female intruder who had entered the home through the front door. The female, who did not have authorization to be in the residence, exited through a rear door in the garage after being confronted.
Officers searched the area and located the female, identified as Kelly Madison, still on the property in the backyard. Madison was found to be highly intoxicated and was taken into custody for trespass and public intoxication. Madison was transported to the City of Bradford Police Department and arraigned by Magistrate Engman, who remanded her to McKean County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and informed. If you have any information about this incident or any other crime, please contact us at 814-887-4911
18 7512 A CRIMINAL USE OF COMMUNICATION FACILITY (F3)
18 6301 A1I CORRUPTION OF MINORS (M1)
Age 19 Race Black Gender Male Hair Black Eyes Black
On February 19, 2025, at 2:05 pm, officers apprehended Jahiem A Middleton a resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, based on an outstanding arrest warrant. The warrant stemmed from an alleged incident in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, which was investigated by the Johnsonburg Police Department. Middleton was subsequently arraigned before District Judge Luther, who set bail at $50,000. As Middleton was unable to post bail, he was transferred and released into the custody of the Johnsonburg Police Department.
Presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the women arrested during a drug investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force has pled guilty. Tammy McMAHON of Bradford pled guilty during a plea hearing at the courthouse on February 19th. MCMAHON admitted that she had delivered crack cocaine while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force and that she possessed methamphetamine.
She will appear for sentencing at a future date. Detective Kolin Strawcutter investigated the case. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer urges anyone who suspects illegal drug activity to contact Chief Ryan Yingling of the McKean County Drug Task Force at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a former Bradford Area School District bus driver has pled guilty to Child Porn, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against a Child, and other charges after an investigation was initiated after the police received a report that he was photographing some of the children on the school bus after having them pose in provocative poses.
Sean Edward WILLIAMS, formerly of Duke Center but currently held at the McKean County Jail, pled guilty during a plea hearing held at the courthouse on February 19th to charges stemming from his acts on the school bus and other crimes.
WILLIAMS pled guilty to Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against a Child (deviate sexual intercourse/oral sex), Tampering with Evidence, Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography -6 children under age 10), Corruption of Minors, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, and Endangering Welfare (6 children during a course of conduct). The District Attorney told the court that WILLIAMS was a school bus driver as well as a foster parent and, over a two-year period from January 1, 2024, to November 4, 2025, he committed the crimes. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer told the Court that WILLIAMS was a person responsible for the welfare of children on his bus, and he violated that duty of care to specific children on his bus by having them pose in photographs that were provocative for the purpose of his own sexual gratification and retained the photographs.
During the investigation, police discovered that WILLIAMS possessed six photographs of child pornography of children under the age of ten and he was intentionally in contact with a minor for the purpose of engaging in the crime of sexual abuse (child pornography).
The case was investigated by Officer Tony Lama of the City of Bradford Police. As a result of the investigation, Officer Lama was in consultation with the Pennsylvania State Police for crimes that occurred outside of Bradford City. Thereafter, by criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Sierra Rooke, WILLIAMS was charged with Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse on a 1-year-old child for engaging in oral sex on the child while he was a foster parent.
WILLIAMS also removed and destroyed a camera and hard drive on his school bus for the purpose of removing the camera footage from availability for the criminal investigation. After the District Attorney read the facts into the record, WILLIAMS told the Judge he was guilty of the crimes.
The District Attorney gave notice that it was her intention to seek the higher sentence as provided for by two sentencing provisions of the sentencing code to seek the maximum penalty on WILLIAMS.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer explained: “The crimes committed by WILLIAMS require a lifetime registration as a sexual offender under the law formerly known as Megan’s Law. The crimes require that, additionally, he undergo an evaluation with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he meets the definition of a Sexually Violent Predator. The Board has 90 days to complete the evaluation which must be completed prior to sentenced.” Sentencing has been preliminarily set for June 4th.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer urges anyone who suspects child abuse to call 911 and report it to Childline child abuse hotline at 1-800-932-0313. Services for victims are available by calling the YWCA of Bradford at 1-888-821-6325.
