Police Reports

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Salamanca woman arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July was sentenced today by a judge during a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse. 

Tonya RILEY was sentenced to 2 months to 15 months in the McKean County Jail and 15 months’ concurrent probation.  RILEY was ordered to obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow through with all recommended treatment, pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force and pay the lab user fee.   

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force during a coordinated drug detail in July was sentenced today. The judge sentenced Brian FITZPATRICK to serve a state sentence of 7 months to 24 months. FITZPATRICK was ordered by the judge to pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, pay the lab user fee, and provide a DNA sample among other terms.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Canadian woman who was convicted of firing toward Troopers has been sentenced to state prison for her crimes. 

The case was the result of a 9 hour standoff between Sharon VANDRISH and State Police at a camp in Marshburg where VANDRISH shot a firearm in the direction of Troopers and refused to exit the camp.  After she was convicted, she failed to appear for sentencing and fled to New York where the District Attorney’s Office had to obtain her return to Pennsylvania through the extradition process. 

During the sentencing hearing for VANDRISH today at the courthouse, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer told the Judge that VANDRISH continued to blame everyone else for the events and took no accountability for her crimes.

DA Shaffer told the Judge that Vandrish has written her several letters and emails and left countless voicemails at the District Attorney’s Office both prior to the trial and since the trial where she has blamed her brother, the jury, the police and Shaffer, herself, including threats that DA Shaffer described as blackmail if the case was not withdrawn. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer noted that the law allows a court to take a defendant’s lack of accountability into consideration when fashioning a sentence and, in this case, her ongoing blame of everyone else should be considered.

DA Vettenburg-Shaffer told the judge that VANDRISH’s attempts to blame others was misplaced because she was convicted after a jury trial where the jury heard from witnesses and heard the actual radio communication of the Troopers on-scene. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer reminded the court that the jury heard the Troopers on the radio recordings describe in real time what VANDRISH was doing- Troopers radioing to each other that she had a firearm, radioing each other that VANDRISH said she was not coming out, radioing to each other that she had just fired a gun, and, most significantly according to Shaffer, a Trooper radioing to his colleagues that he was now trapped by a shed due to VANDRISH’s shooting. 

Shaffer noted that Homeland Security has a detainer for VANDRISH. The Judge directed his comments to VANDRISH’s lack of remorse and danger to society because she placed Troopers as well as herself in a very dangerous situation and still does not recognize that what she did was dangerous. The judge pointed out that he did not hear much remorse from VANDRISH and stated that there is nothing different about her accountability today than the day she fired the gun toward the troopers. The Judge sentenced VANDRISH to state prison for a period of 16 months to 48 months.  She is not eligible for any early parole program.

On January 12, 2026 at 5:21 pm, James A. Walton, 29, of Hinsdale, NY was taken into custody with assistance from the Olean Police Department. Walton had an active bench warrant out of Hinsdale Town Court. Walton was transported to Hinsdale Town Court for arraignment, where he was released under supervision. Walton is due back at Hinsdale Town Court at a later date.

On January 12, 2026 at 6:28 pm, Steven J. Schneider, 35, of Hinsdale, NY was taken into custody following a traffic stop, with the assistance of the Olean Police Department. Schneider had an active violation of probation warrant out of Cattaraugus County Probation. Schneider was arraigned at Olean City Court, where he was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail, where he will be held, awaiting further court proceedings.

Portville – On January 10, 2026 8:33 pm, Brianna M. Clark, 42, of Olean, NY, was taken into custody after being observed walking in the parking lot of 7-11 in the Village of Portville. Clark had multiple active warrants out of Olean City Court and was taken into custody without further incident. Clark was transported to the Olean Police Department where she was turned over for arraignment.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Buffalo man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop in the county early this morning.  Lamero GOSSOM is accused of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Deliver it (Felony); Driving Under the Influence; Resisting Arrest; False Identification to Law Enforcement Officer; Small Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and traffic violations.

Trooper John Jones, Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run, filed the charges after initiating a traffic stop on the vehicle operated by GOSSOM near Miller Street in Bradford. GOSSOM was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $250,000. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the people arrested during a drug sweep by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. Nateka SHUGARS, formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th. 

SHUGARS pled guilty to delivering cocaine on three occasions between March 27, 2024, and July 24, 2025. SHUGARS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. Please report suspected drug activity to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a man arrested following a lengthy drug investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. The drug detail resulted in the arrest of several individuals. One of those arrest, Guy SIMMONS, JR., formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th.  SIMMONS pled guilty to conspiracy delivery of methamphetamine. 

SIMMONS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognized the work of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives and the collaboration of the City of Bradford administration at the time of the arrest. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers. 

Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The defendants are accused of working together to deal in unlawful proceeds by selling cocaine and using the drug proceeds to fund additional drug transactions as well as living expenses.

Dawn BUTERAUGH is charged with 5 counts of Conspiracy Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); Conspiracy Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Person Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor); and Endangering Welfare of a Child (Felony 3).

David DICKINSON is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); 5 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Persons Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); and 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor).

The complaints filed against the pair allege that, on November 13th, 2025, November 21st, 2025, December 3rd, 2025, January 5th, 2026, and January 8th, 2026, DICKINSON and/or BUTERBAUGH, working together, communicated via communication device with an informant working under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force.

The pair is accused of working together to commit the crimes over a period of time from November 13, 2025, and January 8, 2026. On some of the occasions, a minor child over whom BUTERBAUGH owes a duty of care was present in the house at the time of the drug transactions. Following a drug transaction on January 8th that was under surveillance of the Detectives, BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON attempted to drive away from the residence.  A team of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives, McKean County Drug Task Force Officers, City of Bradford Police Officers and Bradford Township Police Officers forced a traffic stop and took

BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON into custody while other Detectives maintained surveillance and security of the residence and executed a search warrant at the location. Upon execution of the search warrant, Detectives located a loaded .32 caliber handgun hidden under a pillow in the bedroom where the drugs were sold. The gun’s serial number was scratched off and unable to be read.

Both BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON are prohibited from possessing a firearm. DICKINSON and BUTERBAUGH were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $200,000 on each of them. Both are scheduled for central court next week.

If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call McKean County Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the appeals’ court has affirmed the conviction of convicted murderer Frederick CAMEJO, Jr.  By opinion dated December 24, 2025, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued its opinion affirming the conviction of CAMEJO in the 2022 murder of Edward Fomby, Jr. on Congress Street in Bradford.

On the night of the murder, CAMEJO’s family member called 911 to report that CAMEJO and Fomby were involved in a verbal disagreement outside of the CAMEJO residence.  The 911 call and home surveillance videos captured the moment of the shooting.  Testimony included what witnesses and home video captured at the time of the murder including witness/evidence of statements by CAMEJO including declaring, “you’re dead now B…h” immediately after firing the fatal shots into the back of Fomby as Fomby turned and walked away from CAMEJO. CAMEJO was convicted at a jury trial in September, 2024 of Murder in the 3rd Degree, Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Structure and three counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (deadly weapon enhancement).

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man accused of shooting at a vehicle as it was driving away from a residence in Gifford has now been charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide.  Matthew LUKE is incarcerated on $1million bail after he was charged by Corporal Sierra Rooke (PSP-Lewis Run) following an emergency dispatch of Troopers to a residence for a report of shots fired on December 6th.  LUKE is now charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Burglary and other charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week. 

Following a preliminary hearing held in front of Magisterial District Judge David Engman, charges were bound over against the Lewis Run man charged with sex crimes. Ray COAST of Lewis Run was previously charged with Rape, Child Pornography and additional charges following investigation by Trooper Richard Obermeyer.  Today, the Commonwealth added 270 additional counts of sex crimes including 90 additional counts of Rape, 90 additional counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, and 90 additional counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault.

During a bail hearing following the preliminary hearing, bail was increased to $3 million. By separate complaint, COAST is charged with stalking. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police at (814) 368-9230 or 911.

On December 17, 2025 at about 6:17 PM Jacob Burdic of East Otto was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3^rd, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5^th, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2^nd, and for a Violation of Parole Warrant.

NYS Parole conducted a home visit of Burdic on Crumb Hill Rd. During the check, parole requested the assistance of Sheriffs Office K9 Nitro, who provided multiple positive indications in the residence. This led to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau obtaining a search warrant. The search warrant was executed by members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

The search led to the discovery of four unregistered hand guns, two illegal long guns, stolen property, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, scales, and packaging. Burdic was arraigned at the Town of Ellicottville Court where he was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail. The investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending

Chief of Police Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department announces that on December 13, 2025, at approximately 0100 hours, officers responded to Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room (BRMC ER) to investigate an assault on ER staff and paramedics. Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that 25-year-old Haley N. Baker intentionally kicked a paramedic while they were performing their duties.

Additionally, Baker struggled with ER staff and assaulted another male victim, striking and kicking him while he was performing his duties. Officers arrested Baker for the assaults and transported her to the City of Bradford Police Station.

She was charged with Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Baker and set bail at $25,000 cash, which she was unable to post. Baker was subsequently remanded to McKean County Jail. Preliminary hearings for this incident are scheduled.

The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of assault very seriously and will utilize all available resources to prosecute these types of crimes to the fullest extent of the law. If you have any information regarding this incident, 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.

Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Jennifer Lee Coldren following a traffic stop and pursuit on December 12, 2025.

At approximately 1152 hrs on York Street in the City of Bradford, Officer Blair attempted to stop a motor vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and fled the area, prompting a pursuit into Foster Township’s Bolivar Drive.

City of Bradford Police Officers were assisted by Foster Township Police in the pursuit. The vehicle was abandoned in the front yard of a residence, and the female operator, Jennifer Lee Coldren, was chased on foot into a nearby residence where she was apprehended.

A search warrant was executed on the defendant’s vehicle, resulting in the seizure of drug paraphernalia. It was determined that Coldren was driving under the influence of controlled substances. She was charged with fleeing and eluding, drug paraphernalia, DUI, and numerous traffic offenses. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Coldren and remanded her to McKean County Jail on $25,000 bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.

The City of Bradford Police Department takes DUI and traffic offenses extremely seriously and will prosecute to the fullest extent. The involvement of illegal narcotics in this incident is also a significant concern, as it poses a threat to the safety of our community. We will not tolerate such behavior and will continue to work diligently to keep our streets safe.

Chief of Police Michael P. Ward reports that the City of Bradford Police Department has made a significant drug bust, resulting in the arrest of Lex M. Gourley, age 22.

On October 28, 2025, at approximately 0049 hours, City Police Officer Colby Keane conducted a traffic stop on West Washington Street in the City of Bradford. During the stop, Officer Keane determined that the operator, Gourley, was operating the motor vehicle while under suspension in Pennsylvania.

Further investigation revealed that Gourley had provided false identification originally, and subsequently, Officer Keane discovered an active arrest warrant out of McKean County. Gourley was taken into custody on the warrant, and a search of his person revealed a large amount of cash and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, suspected oxycodone, and marijuana. The drugs were packaged in 12 separate individual bags, along with weighing scales, indicative of possessing with intent to deliver.

Gourley was initially taken into custody on the county bench warrant on October 28, 2025. On December 3, 2025, Officer Keane filed charges related to the traffic stop and drug seizure. Magistrate Todd arraigned Gourley and set bail at $25,000. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department remains committed to combating drug crimes and will continue to utilize all resources to further arrest and prosecute individuals involved in these types of crimes.

“I am proud of the diligent work of Officer Keane and the entire City of Bradford Police Department in removing these dangerous drugs from our community” . “We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our city safe and hold those responsible for drug-related crimes accountable.”

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department reports the following information regarding an incident that occurred on December 15, 2025.

At approximately 1443 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room (BRMC ER) after McKean County 911 reported a call from an individual,  identified as Jordan M. Kornacki, who threatened to become violent with BRMC staff. Officers arrived on the scene and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the individual continued to threaten harm to BRMC staff and officers, as well as threaten to cause property damage.

Despite repeated warnings, the individual failed to comply, and subsequently requested to be taken to jail. During the arrest, the individual made further threats to stab BRMC staff in the neck or face and/or punch them in the face. A search of the individual following the arrest resulted in the seizure of a small amount of Cocaine (Schedule II), THC Marijuana (Schedule I), and related paraphernalia.

The individual was charged accordingly and arraigned by Magistrate William Todd, with bail set at $15,000 cash. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of this nature very seriously and will not tolerate crimes of violence or threats of violence. Medical staff acting in good faith in the care of others should be able to perform their duties without fear of harm. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that additional charges have been filed against the Lewis Run man charged with Rape and other offenses.  Ray COAST now faces additional counts including 22 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) (indecent contact depicted) – Felony 2; 16 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) – (nudity) – Felony 3 (The Commonwealth will seek enhancements provided for under the sentencing code for number of videos and photographs (each video = 50 images), nature of the video/photograph, and that the victim was known to the defendant); 22 counts Dissemination to Minors – Felony 3; 60 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Device – Felony 3; and other counts. 

Trooper Richard Obermeyer of the Pennsylvania State Police – Lewis Run is investigating the case.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week. COAST is incarcerated on $1 million and $250,000 on each of two criminal complaints already filed. 

The original complaint asserts that Ray COAST has been charged with committing crimes across a three year period at his home in Lewis Run and within the City of Bradford. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that an additional charge was filed yesterday against the Bradford man charged with cruelty and neglect of animals. George JONES has now been charged with Aggravated Cruelty, a Felony of the third degree, after one of the dogs in his care died.  JONES was originally charged with misdemeanor and summary offenses which is consistent with the gradings provided for in the statute drafted by the legislature.  But, when the neglect or abuse causes the death of the animal, the statute provides for a new crime of Aggravated Cruelty to be charged which carries a grading of Felony 3.