(SMETHPORT, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2023):  McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Brian A. Gausman (formerly of Kane), was convicted of crimes related to sex acts against a minor. 

Witnesses testified that, on August 7, 2022, Officer Michael Henry of Kane Borough Police Department was dispatched to Gausman’s residence on Welsh Street in Kane for a report of a suicidal male.  On-scene, Officer Henry encountered Gausman and a teenage female relative.

The female would later disclose that Gausman raped her and forced her to perform oral sex on him at his residence. 

Originally, Gausman was charged with 34 counts including Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Assault, Incest of a Minor, and Indecent Assault.

After deliberations, Gausman was convicted of 1 count each of Rape (Felony 1); Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Force (Felony 1); and Sexual Assault (Felony 2); as well as 2 counts of Incest of a Minor (Felony 2) and 2 counts of Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1).

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Officer Michael Henry of Kane Borough Police Department investigated the case.

Following conviction, Shaffer asked the Court to modify Gausman’s bail and the Court set his bail at  $250,000 (straight).  He was remanded to the McKean County Jail.

The Court ordered Gausman to undergo a sexually violent predator evaluation as required by law for any offender convicted of a sex offense.  A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Anyone who suspects child abuse is urged to call Childine at (800) 932-0313.