No Injuries And Disabling Damage In Two Vehicle Crash On Old Kersey Rd. In Fox Twp.
Police Reports
MAN CONVICTED OF INCEST AND RAPE IN MCKEAN COUNTY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Steven BAKER, formerly of Westfield and Port Allegany, was convicted of sex crimes against a minor female relative at a residence in Port Allegany. In 2023, a preschool teacher called Childline to report that, while her preschool class was eating bananas and discussing how bananas and other things are slimy, one of her students responded that BAKER had touched her (pointing to her genitals) and she didn’t like it.
The child also reported BAKER’S actions to her mother, grandmother, two other caretakers, and others. The reports initiated a police investigation by Pennsylvania State Police who interviewed BAKER. After initially denying the allegation, BAKER admitted that, while the child was only months old and left in his care, he placed his penis into her mouth and ejaculated. BAKER told investigators he did this out of sexual frustration and anger at a video game he had been playing. BAKER is related to the minor victim. (The relationship is not disclosed in this release to protect the child’s identity). During the two-day jury trial, the jury heard testimony from the victim (now 6 years old), her mother, grandmother, preschool teacher, CYS caseworker, and two other adult caregivers.
Two Troopers who participated in the interview of BAKER also testified as did McKean County Jail Warden/Sheriff Dan Woods. Trooper Joel Miles (Pennsylvania State Police-Coudersport) investigated the case and charged BAKER. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. BAKER was charged with and convicted of: Rape of a Child; Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child; Incest of a Minor; Sexual Assault; Indecent Assault; and Statutory Sexual Assault (defendant 11 or more years older than victim).
Following the verdict, the DA asked the Court to increase bail and the Judge set bail at $200,000 straight. BAKER was remanded to the McKean County Jail. Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, BAKER is required to undergo a “sexually violent predatory assessment” with the Sex Offender Assessment Board. The Board is given 90 days to complete the assessment. To allow for the time necessary for this assessment, BAKER’S sentencing was scheduled for February 27 at 1 pm. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer advised her intention to seek the sentencing enhancements provided for in the sentencing code for Rape of a Child and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child. These enhancements provide for a lengthier sentence than the guidelines provide for in Pennsylvania. If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.
KANE MAN CONVICTED OF GUN VIOLATION
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a one day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Robert COPLEY, of Kane, was convicted of two counts of Possessing Firearms when he is prohibited. Chief Heath Boyer charged COPLEY after a citizen reported to him that COPLEY brought two firearms to his residence in 2022 when COPLEY is a person who is not permitted to possess firearms due to a prior conviction.
Following the testimony at trial, COPLEY was convicted of both counts of Persons Not to Possess (a firearm) – Felony 1 offenses. Assistant District Attorney Gregory A. Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Rupert C. Pistner, 79, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, PA
Rupert C. Pistner, 79, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born June 5, 1945, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Bernard J. and Frances L. (Olewinski) Pistner Sr. He was a 1963 graduate from Bradford High School.
After high school, Mr. Pistner was employed at Dresser Manufacturing, and General Electric in Erie. Following graduation Rupert would enlist into the United States Air Force serving abroad. He would then be honorably discharged around 1970.
After his service, he returned to Dresser Manufacturing as a Tool and Die maker, and he retired in 2003. He later worked as an independent contractor at Dresser Manufacturing.
On February 14, 1973, he married Christena L. (Barber) Pistner, who preceded him in death on March 25, 2024.
Rupert was a member of the Union at Dresser Manufacturing, a member of the National Rifle Association and the Stars Aviator Club. He previously drove stock cars at several local tracks including Bradford Speedway and McKean County Raceway.
Surviving are two sons, Jay Pistner, of Bradford, and Gregory C. Pistner, of New Castle, sister, Patricia Tankersly, of Roulette, one brother, Thomas (Jenny) Pistner Sr., of Rixford, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Christena, of 51 years, and two brothers, Donald R. Pistner, and Bernard J. Pistner Sr.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 1pm to 2pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street, at 2pm, funeral services will be held with Rev. Rick Price, Pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating. Military Honors will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery in Rasselas with the United States Air Force.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Allegheny Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Two Arrested For Drug Charges In Olean
Officers assigned to the Emergency response team conducted a Search warrant obtained by the Street Crimes unit Tuesday evening at 429 North 9th St. (lower apartment) for drugs. Two people were arrested from this apartment for possessing Cocaine, Fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia as well as outstanding charges for previous drug sales. Audra Divittorio, age 34 of 429 N. 9th St. was charged with six counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and five counts of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( all B Felonies ) and two additional Felonies for what Investigators found inside the apartment. 48 year old Nealie Linsler who also resides at this apartment was charged with two drug related felonies. Both Linsler and Divittorio were sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail. The Street Crimes unit was assisted by the Southern tier regional drug task force.
PFA Arrest In Bradford
On November 3rd, 4th, and 7th, 2024, a 30-year-old male suspect Kevin A. Armstrong allegedly violated a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order by trespassing at a residence located at 1 South Center Street and making contact with the protected person. The suspect also made contact with the victim via cell phone, which is a violation of the no-contact provision of the PFA Order. The City of Bradford Police Department took the suspect into custody on the PFA violations for all three dates. The suspect was arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and remanded to jail on $10,000 bail. Hearings are scheduled in the matters. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Location 1 South Center Street Bradford, PA 16701
Arrest Date Nov 7, 2024
Incident Type All Other – Criminal Reference ID 2024-11071031
Flag Theft And Desecration Arrest In Bradford
On October 20, 2024, at approximately 2133 hours, a theft and desecration of the American Flag occurred at Veteran Square in downtown Bradford. The suspect then stole a second American Flag from a business on South Avenue and committed another act of desecration. At the time of the crimes, the identity of the suspect was not known. However, on November 9, 2024, the City of Bradford Police Department identified the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect, a 25-year-old male, was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $30,000 cash bail. Hearings are scheduled on the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Location Veteran Square Bradford, PA 16701
Arrest Date Nov 9, 2024
Incident Type Theft Reference ID 2024-10202133
