Police Reports

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, after a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Robert Allen Tanner was convicted of sex crimes against a juvenile boy.

The case initiated in February, 2023, when the juvenile boy reported to a school aid that TANNER, with whom he is related, committed various sex acts on him.  The aid reported this to Childline prompting a CYS caseworker to meet with the child at the school.  Throughout the two day trial, the school aid, CYS caseworker, forensic interviewer, family advocate and an expert on child abuse disclosure testified before the jury. 

The minor child also testified and told the jury that, when he was left in TANNER’S care when he was 8 or 9 years old, TANNER would perform oral sex on him, touch the child’s penis with his hand and TANNER’S own penis, and put the child’s penis on his butt.  The child was unable to describe the number of times this occurred but related that it occurred more than once.  Trooper Eric Thompson, formerly in the crime unit at the Pennsylvania State Police – Lewis Run barracks, interviewed TANNER and investigated the case.  TANNER also testified.

 On May 31, 2024, the East Drug Task Force executed an arrest warrant on Heather Rae PROCTOR -36 of Galeton, PA.  PROCTOR was charged with felony-grade offenses for selling a controlled substance to an individual at her residence in December of 2022. 

PROCTOR was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Christopher KALACINSKI. PROCTOR’s bail was set at $20,000 straight bail.  PROCTOR was committed to the McKean County Jail.

On May 31, 2024, the East Drug Task Force executed arrest warrants on Rhonda Lynn JOHNSTON- 30 of Coudersport, PA.  JOHNSTON was charged with felony-grade offenses for selling a controlled substance to an individual in the rear parking lot of Zito Media in Coudersport in January 2023.  JOHNSTON was also charged with felony-grade offenses for selling a controlled substance to an individual at her residence in February 2023. 

JOHNSTON was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Bryan PHELPS.  JOHNSTON’s bail was set at $37,500 for each case.  JOHNSTON was committed to the Tioga County Jail. 

Sandy Township Police Department 

Attention:

At approximately 1:00 am on June 11, Sandy Township Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Burger King on Bee Line Highway where an employee had been attacked and beaten with the suspect’s closed fists and what appeared to be an AR style weapon. It was later determined the weapon was possibly an airsoft gun.

As the victim was getting into her vehicle the suspect approached her, wearing a black mask with a scull teeth design. He demanded she give him her purse, which contained the night deposit from the restaurant. The victim declined and a struggle ensued. After severely injuring the victim, the suspect fled the scene when another vehicle pulled into the parking lot. He escaped, without the night deposit, to Midway Drive where his accomplice was waiting in a vehicle. The two then managed to elude police but the accomplice, John Lentz was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his home in Penfield.

A Felony Arrest warrant has been issued for 59-year-old Richard William Smeal of DuBois. He is a white male, 5’5”, approximately 145 pounds, with blue eyes, a red/gray beard and thinning (possibly longer) red/brown hair. (Note: the attached photo is 2 years old, so his appearance may have changed) Smeal is believed to be dangerous, and police advise to not approach him. If you know the whereabouts of, or have any information regarding Richard Smeal, please contact the Sandy Township Police Department through Clearfield County Dispatch, 814-765-1533 or 911.