Police Reports

District Attorney Stephane Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of a Kane man convicted of Incest, Rape and other crimes.  Brian GAUSMAN was convicted after a jury trial in 2023 of Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Assault, 2 counts of Incest and 2 counts of Indecent Assault. 

GAUSMAN was later determined to meet the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator and he was sentenced to a period of incarceration in state prison for 18 years – 36 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation.  The Superior Court upheld the conviction and sentence. and denied the appeal. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Officer Michael Henry of Kane Borough Police Department investigated the case. If you suspect child abuse call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.

Original Post after sentencing:

District Attorney Stephane Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has denied the latest appeal of a Bradford man convicted of one of the largest cocaine delivery cases in county history and one that resulted in the forfeiture of his property.

James Howard FOWLER was convicted in 2016 of several drug crimes after delivering cocaine to a confidential informant working under surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force. 

A subsequent search warrant executed at FOWLER’S Bradford residence yielded a large amount of cocaine, scales, Ziplock bags with corners cut out (the corners commonly used to package cocaine for sale), and other items indicative of possessing cocaine with the intent to deliver it.

At trial in 2016, FOWLER argued that he was friends with the informant and that, but for that close relationship, he would not have delivered cocaine or possessed cocaine with the intent to deliver.  The jury rejected his claim and FOWLER was convicted and incarcerated for several years at sentencing. He appealed his conviction and the Superior Court denied it.

(McKean County, Pennsylvania: July 1, 2025) District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford woman convicted of Rape of an Unconscious Person and other crimes at a jury trial in March was sentenced by a judge during a sentencing hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse yesterday.

Donna SIMONS, 67, was sentenced to a period of incarceration in state prison for 8 1/2 years to 17 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation on charges of Rape of an Unconscious Person, Involuntary Devious Sexual Intercourse of an Unconscious Person, Sexual Assault, Simple Assault (deadly weapon enhancement) and Terroristic Threats (deadly weapon enhancement).  The crimes relate to a sex assault committed by SIMONS on a 17-year-old male at a Fourth of July party in Bradford Township in 2024. SIMONS will be required to register as a sex offender for her lifetime. 

SIMONS was ordered to provide a DNA sample, have no contact with the victim and other terms.  SIMONS is not eligible for any early parole program. Bradford Township Police Officer Jordan McCalla investigated the case.

John F. Aldrich

John. F. Aldrich, 72, of Warren, PA., died unexpectedly, Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, of natural causes.  Friends and family will be received on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00. PM at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. A complete obituary will be announced when available.

Olean City Fire Fighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 137 N. 9th St..Olean Police responded to this location as well to assist. It was determined that a female inside the upper apartment was still inside at the time of the fire. After Firefighters extinguished the fire and entry was made, the resident Carole Landrau age 76 was found inside the apartment deceased.

The Criminal Investigation unit responded to this location and working with Fire Investigators determined this fire to be a result of Arson. A female that had been staying at this apartment was later arrested for starting this fire. 42 year old Diane M. Casciani was charged with Criminally negligent homicide, Arson 2nd. degree and Reckless endangerment 1st degree. A male resident was also injured during the fire who was taken to Olean General where he was treated and released for burns. This investigation is continuing. Casciani was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await further Court proceedings

The City of Bradford Police Department has announced the arrest of Michael J. Keller, who was taken into custody on Monday, June 17, 2025, in connection with a string of recent burglaries at the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford.

Keller is alleged to have unlawfully entered the church on three separate occasions—June 13th, 15th, and 16th—using a set of stolen keys. In response to the repeated incidents, Bradford police initiated a targeted investigation, including the deployment of multiple cellular trail cameras inside the church on the afternoon of June 16th.

Video and still images from the surveillance footage captured Keller at 2309 hours bypassing two secured doors, gaining access to the church office, and removing two checkbooks before exiting the premises.  On June 17th, officers apprehended Keller without incident.

He was subsequently arraigned by District Judge Todd and remanded to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

The City of Bradford Police Department commends the officers involved for their swift and thorough response in this case and continues to work closely with the First Presbyterian Church to ensure its security.

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