District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the women arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force during an investigation into drug trafficking in the area was sentenced by the judge last Thursday.
Kortney BUNDY was sentenced on June 25th to a period of incarceration of not less than 12 months to not more than 24 months to be served in state prison and 24 months concurrent probation for delivering methamphetamine (felony). BUNDY was ordered by pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, submit a DNA sample, and other terms.
MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 30, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford woman convicted at a jury trial of stealing guitars from a blind man has been sentenced to state prison for her crimes.
Samantha HINCHMAN was sentenced by the judge to serve a sentence of not less than 6 months to not more than 24 months to be served in a state prison. HINCHMAN was ordered to pay restitution and undergo additional terms. DA Vettenburg Shaffer reports that two of the stolen guitars were sold to a music store in Jamestown and handed over to police by the owner. A third guitar and case were never recovered.
Anyone with information on the location of that guitar and case is asked to contact the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or City of Bradford Police by calling 911.
On May 6, 2026, at approximately 2045 hours, a report was filed at 85 State Street, City of Bradford, McKean County. According to the victim, she and a witness observed a 40-year-old male, Jason McCracken, in the garage without permission from the property owner or the victim.
The victim and property owner reported that a hand cart, valued at approximately $50, was stolen from the garage by McCracken.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer announces that the man convicted of assaulting a toddler after a jury trial in February was sentenced by the judge during a sentencing hearing at the courthouse on June 25, 2026.
Garret HOMELL was sentenced to state prison for a period of incarceration of not less than 24 months to not more than 60 months on charges of Aggravated Assault (Felony 2), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony 2); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2);and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Misdemeanor 2).
HOMELL was also required to submit a DNA sample. He is not eligible for any early parole. The judge recommended to the Department of Corrections that HOMELL not be permitted to have contact with the victim. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer expressed her gratitude for the strong prosecution and investigation by 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne and Trooper Bradley Walters.
Vettenburg-Shaffer said at the time of his conviction: “The nature of this case resulted in evidence that was hard to see, including photographs of the injuries to the young child. Trooper Walters completed a thorough investigation and Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne led a successful prosecution in a case with a most vulnerable victim.
Child abuse cases are difficult, yet no case is more important than one with a young victim. Their collective efforts and tireless work on the case are evident, and I thank them for working so hard for this child.” If you suspect child abuse, call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
On June 6, 2026, at approximately 0615 hours, officers responded to a report of a female acting erratically near 15 Fairbanks Avenue, Bradford City, McKean County, PA. Upon arrival, officers located a 57-year-old female, identified as Andrea Borza-Holmes, at her residence of 15 Fairbanks Avenue.
At the time, she was attempting to break windows at her house and had what she described as “war paint” on her face and a lampshade on her head. During the initial approach, a neighbor left the area in her vehicle, stating she was scared due to Borza-Holmes’ actions.
Borza-Holmes would occasionally walk out into the yard and yell profanities at the officers, continuing this behavior even after a Mental Health delegate arrived. While inside the residence, Borza-Holmes continued to smash and break items, yelling out the broken windows at officers. Eventually, she was taken into custody. During a search incident to arrest, officers located three vapes containing THC on her person.
On June 9, 2026, at approximately 0557 hours, City of Bradford Police Department officers responded to a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle at 7A Kiwanis Court, City of Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania.
The victim reported that the defendant Jordan Kornacki, a 27-year-old female, had taken their vehicle without permission. The defendant admitted to operating the vehicle prior to questioning. The defendant was placed under arrest and transported to the Bradford City Police Department for processing.
It was discovered that the defendant had a suspended driver’s license due to a previous DUI offense. Appropriate charges have been filed.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Kane man convicted of delivering fentanyl to another Kane man who died from the substance was sentenced during a sentencing hearing today at the McKean County Courthouse.
Michael CUNNINGHAM was convicted after a jury trial held in April of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and other charges related to the fentanyl death of a man in Kane in 2022. During the sentencing hearing, the judge sentenced CUNNINGHAM to serve a minimum of 77 months to a maximum of 160 months in state prison and an additional one year of supervision post-release. CUNNINGHAM was recommended by the court to participate in drug treatment while incarcerated.
A presentence report prepared by the Adult Probation Department prior to sentencing reflected that the guideline range for the minimum amount of incarceration for the crime of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death as set by the legislature called for a minimum sentence of between 60 months and 78 months. The judge sentenced CUNNINGHAM for the crime of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and a consecutive sentence for the crime of Criminal Use of a Communication Device.
The City of Bradford Police Department is releasing information regarding a recent incident involving an individual’s attempt to illegally purchase a firearm.
On March 29, 2025, at approximately 4:26 pm, Tyrone Wayne Bailey attempted to purchase a pistol from Sportsmans Outlet, a licensed firearms dealer located at 500 Chestnut Street, Bradford, PA 16701.
During the purchase process, Bailey completed the required federal and state forms, including the ATF Form 4473 and the Pennsylvania State Application of Sale SP4-113. On both forms, Bailey answered “NO” to questions regarding being subject to a court order of protection. However, an investigation revealed that Bailey had an active order of protection issued out of New York State. By signing the forms, Bailey falsely attested that the information provided was true, correct, and complete, despite knowing about the active order of protection.
This is a violation of federal and state laws, and the City of Bradford Police Department takes these incidents very seriously. The Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Unit provided copies of the completed forms and the order of protection. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency during the firearms purchase process.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to ensuring public safety and enforcing laws related to firearms. We urge all individuals to comply with the law and to be truthful when completing required forms. Bailey was arraigned before Judge Engman the on call judge on 4/26/2026 where bail was set at $25,000.
Bailey was unable to post bail and remained to Mckean County Jail. If you have any information about illegal firearms activities, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at (814) 887-4911. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On May 7, 2026, City of Bradford Police officers responded to a call at 25 South Center Street regarding an unwanted male within the residence.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual, identified as 25-year-old Jacob Michael Kamats. After speaking with Kamats, officers conducted a formal interview with the victim, who reported an incident earlier that day at the same location.
According to the victim, Kamats threatened them multiple times, leading to an argument. The victim, fearing for their safety, locked themselves in the bathroom.
While the victim was barricaded, Kamats attempted to kick down the door multiple times, making threats, including “I’ll kill you all.” Yesterday, Kamats was subsequently arrested by Troopers with the PA State Police Troop C, Lewis Run, at a residence in Smethport. He was arraigned by Judge Engman and remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a former Olean resident charged with various drug crimes in Bradford has been sentenced to state prison for his crimes.
Shane RICE was charged by City of Bradford Police Officer Colby Keane in July following a report of a physical altercation at JJ’s Saloon on East Main Street. Witnesses reported that RICE entered the establishment with a club and hit a patron in the knee with the club. When apprehended by police after the assault, RICE was found to possess a large amount of methamphetamine as well as cocaine with the intent to deliver the substances.
Shortly after posting bail, RICE was found by Trooper Timothy Mix to possess methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop during which RICE was operating a vehicle without a license.
RICE was sentenced on crimes of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Felony); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2); Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor); Possession of Methamphetamine (Misdemeanor); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor); and summary violation. During a sentencing hearing held April 30th at the courthouse, RICE was sentenced by a judge to a period of incarceration in state prison for at least 2 years and up to 5 years. He is to have no contact with the victim of the assault and additional terms.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the former inmate who was convicted of Contraband for bringing drugs into the McKean County Jail, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and other drug crimes has had his claims that his attorney was ineffective rejected by the Superior Court.
Walter “Ghost” Dennis was convicted after a 2-day jury trial in 2022 of various drug crimes and appealed the conviction. The Superior Court affirmed his conviction and sentencing. Subsequently, DENNIS alleged that his trial attorney was ineffective in representing him – a claim denied by a McKean County Judge. DENNIS appealed the Judge’s opinion.
By decision filed March 25, 2026, the Superior Court agreed with the Judge and noted that DENNIS’ new attorney conceded he had no legal authority to support his assertions of ineffectiveness against the prior attorney. The Superior Court affirmed the McKean County Judge’s denial of his ineffective assistance of counsel claims.
DENNIS remains incarcerated in state prison, serving a sentence of 8 years to 16 years imposed at sentencing. District Attorney Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer reported in a press release following the trial that Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force learned DENNIS was intending to deliver narcotics to an individual and placed him under surveillance. Detectives knew DENNIS was wanted on an unrelated matter. When officers observed him arriving at the destination to deliver a controlled substance, he was taken into custody on a warrant on another matter. A subsequent search on-scene located crack cocaine and 83 empty glassine bags commonly used as a packaging material for narcotics.
Acting on a tip that DENNIS may have attempted to conceal the narcotics he had intended to deliver by hiding them inside his body, Detectives alerted staff at the McKean County Jail. During the booking process, Corrections’ Officers observed a suspicious item in DENNIS’ body and directed him to shower per policy. Subsequently, they located approximately 15 wet, soggy glassine bags in the shower’s drain and shower floor around the drain.
The glassine bags matched the bags found on DENNIS at the time of his arrest. The lab identified the substance on the wet bags as being a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol – both controlled substances.
On April 16, 2026, at approximately 11:56 a.m., a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania State Parole, US Marshals Task Force, and the City of Bradford Police Department led to the successful apprehension of a wanted fugitive. Agents and officers conducted an investigation at 40 Foreman Street in Bradford, where they located the individual, Todd Stahli, and took him into custody without incident.
Magistrate William Todd arraigned Stahli on charges of flight to avoid apprehension and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $20,000 bail. Additionally, Pennsylvania State Parole lodged a detainer on Stahli to face all applicable punishment.
The City of Bradford Police Department would like to commend the efforts of all agencies involved in this successful operation, which demonstrates the importance of interagency cooperation in keeping our communities safe. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For further information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.
Pennsylvania: April 17, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a five-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Michael CUNNINGHAM, formerly of Kane, was convicted in the overdose death of a Kane man in 2022. On August 11, 2022, a Kane man was found deceased from an apparent drug overdose at an apartment in Kane. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Eric Thompson assumed control of the scene and the investigation.
CUNNINGHAM was identified as a suspect from witness interviews, and his vehicle matched the description of the vehicle seen meeting with the victim prior to his death. Trooper Thompson found a “bundle” of controlled substances at the scene. A bundle is the term used to describe a packet of individual baggies of either fentanyl or heroin tied together. This is the common way fentanyl and heroin are packaged for sale. Lab results identified the contents as fentanyl – an extremely potent – and often deadly- drug that is both commonly mixed with other street drugs and sold on its own. The bundle was found to contain the DNA of CUNNINGHAM.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman arrested during an ongoing investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force has been sentenced to state prison. Nateka SHUGARS, formerly of Bradford, appeared before a Judge during a sentencing hearing on March 26th at the McKean County Courthouse.
The Judge sentenced SHUGARS to serve a minimum of 7 months to a maximum of 24 months in state prison. SHUGARS was deemed eligible for the state’s boot camp program and was ordered to submit a DNA sample, pay lab fees and restitution. SHUGARS was charged by McKean County Drug Task Force Detective Michael Ward. Please report suspected drug activity to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
On February 24th, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a noise complaint at the Holiday Inn Express. Management reported receiving multiple complaints from tenants regarding excessive noise coming from rooms 104 and 205, which was disturbing other guests.
Upon investigation, officers observed individuals moving between the two rooms, creating unreasonable noise. Despite being given 12 separate warnings by management, the parties involved failed to comply. Upon approaching the rooms, officers could hear the excessive noise firsthand.
Officers made contact with the individuals involved and identified James Bunce, the renter of room 205, as the responsible party. As a result, Bunce was charged with disorderly conduct for the disturbance. Bunce was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and bail was set at $2,500 cash.
The City of Bradford Police Department reminds the public that noise complaints can be a serious disturbance to others and can lead to criminal charges. We encourage everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and to report any noise complaints to the authorities. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On February 24th, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a noise complaint at the Holiday Inn Express.
Management reported receiving multiple complaints from tenants regarding excessive noise coming from rooms 104 and 205, which was disturbing other guests. Upon investigation, officers observed individuals moving between the two rooms, creating unreasonable noise. Despite being given 12 separate warnings by management, the parties involved failed to comply. Upon approaching the rooms, officers could hear the excessive noise firsthand.
Officers made contact with the individuals involved and identified Candy L. Stevens, the renter of room 104, as the responsible party. As a result, Stevens was charged with disorderly conduct for the disturbance. Stevens was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and bail was set at $2,500 unsecured.
The City of Bradford Police Department reminds the public that noise complaints can be a serious disturbance to others and can lead to criminal charges. We encourage everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and to report any noise complaints to the authorities. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
