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.
ARREST City of Bradford Police Department Press Release On February 15, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department took Jason M. McCracken a 37-year-old male into custody on an arrest warrant for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia related to the use of Methamphetamines, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The individual, whose age is 37, was arraigned by Magistrate David Engman and remanded to McKean County Jail on $5,000 cash bail. 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 addressing the ongoing issue of drug abuse. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat drug-related crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
If you have any information about illegal drug activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911. Remember, if you see something, say something.
On February 18, 2026, at approximately 1:04 p.m., City of Bradford Police responded to a report of a screaming female at 24 Orchard Place, Apartment 405.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with an adult female who was visibly bleeding from the face and injured. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim’s boyfriend, a 25-year-old male Jordan Stykemain, had struck her in the face during an argument, causing her injuries.
Officers searched the apartment and located the suspect, who had attempted to conceal himself inside a small cupboard in the kitchen. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the police station. The suspect was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
The City of Bradford Police Department takes domestic violence cases extremely seriously and is committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions. Domestic violence is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. We urge anyone with information about this incident or any other domestic violence case to come forward and contact us at 814-887-4911.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please know that help is available. The City of Bradford Police Department is dedicated to providing support and resources to those affected by domestic violence. We encourage anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence to reach out to us or local support services for assistance. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.
On February 10, 2026 at 11:00 am, Devin M. Frisicaro, 29, of Olean, was taken into custody on a Parole warrant, by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and the NYS Parole fugitive task force. While attempting to place Frisicaro in custody, he attempted to access a large knife that was on his belt. Frisicaro was placed in custody and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and a quantity of suspected fentanyl was located on Frisicaro. He was processed and issued appearance tickets for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. He is due in the City of Olean Court on a later date. Frisicaro was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail on his NYS Parole warrant.
Our Street Crimes Unit arrested 49 year old Andrew A. Bennett of 3585 Fay Hollow road Hinsdale N.Y. for selling Crack Cocaine in the City of Olean on two separate dates. Bennett was taken into custody on warrants charging him with two counts of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and two counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree. all charges are B Felonies. Bennett was released until further court proceedings.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse on February 5th, a Port Allegany man was convicted of assaulting a child.
Garret HOMELL was charged after an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Bradley Walters who led the investigation into the cause of injuries to a 3-year-old child who presented at the emergency room covered in bruises.
Following the investigation, Trooper Walters charged HOMELL with Aggravated Assault of a Victim less than 6 years old, Endangering Welfare of a Child, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that the 3-year-old victim was left in the care and custody of HOMELL for the weekend of January 24, 2025, through January 25, 2025.
HOMELL was the sole caregiver of the child that weekend. When the child’s foster mother picked him up, he was covered in bruises. The child was taken to the Bradford Regional Medical Center emergency room for treatment. In the days following, the child was seen for follow up at BRMC, by his primary care physician and, ultimately, at UPMC-Pittsburgh.
The jury heard testimony from the victim’s foster mother, CYS caseworkers, HOMELL’s ex-wife, several members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and numerous medical professionals who saw the child. A doctor who is an expert in the field of child abuse pediatrics testified that her expert opinion is that the cause of the child’s injuries was child abuse.
The jury convicted HOMELL of Aggravated Assault of a Victim Less than 6 (felony of the second degree); Endangering Welfare of Children (felony of the second degree); Simple Assault (misdemeanor of the first degree); and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (misdemeanor of the second degree). The District Attorney’s Office will seek an enhanced penalty as permitted under Pennsylvania law for the child’s age and the nature of his injuries.
For these enhancements, the jury found that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury to increase the penalty for aggravated assault; that HOMELL created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and the child was under six years of age to increase the penalty for Endangering Welfare of a Child; and that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury and the child was under the age of 12 to increase the penalty for Simple Assault.
The Presiding Judge also found Homell guilty of Harassment (a summary). Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “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. Sentencing will be announced by subsequent court order. If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.
City of Bradford Police Department Announces Arrest in Megan’s Law Compliance Investigation The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Joshua K. Green following an investigation into violations of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law registration requirements.
During a separate ongoing investigation into a theft of approximately $15,000 from PA Skill Games Machines at 94 Main Street (Bradford PC Repair) owned by Brian and Amelia Garges, officers learned of Green’s possible involvement in the theft.
During that investigation officers received information indicating that Green, a registered Tier 3 Megan’s Law offender, was residing in the rear storage room of Bradford PC Repair among other locations other than his registered address and working at Bradford PC Repair without reporting his employment, both in violation of registration requirements.
Records from the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Section confirmed that Green is subject to lifetime registration after being convicted in 2020 for Indecent Assault of a Person Less than 13 Years of Age and is required to report any changes in residence, employment, or lodging in person within three business days.
The investigation further revealed that Green was not registered as a transient offender and had failed to complete required in-person updates. Through interviews with multiple individuals, officers obtained statements indicating that Green had been living at unregistered locations and working “under the table” for an extended period of time.
Based on this information, criminal charges were filed for failure to comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1. Green was subsequently taken into custody.
The City of Bradford Police Department reminds the public that Megan’s Law registration requirements are in place to enhance community safety, and violations of these requirements are taken seriously. Green was arrested on 12/30/2025 and arraigned where bail was set at $25,000. Green, unable to post bail, was remanded to McKean County Jail.
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
