(MCKEAN COUNTY, July 17, 2023) McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a one day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Ryan Christopher Forsythe was convicted of firearms violations. On July 19, 2022, Pennsylvania State Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near Campus Drive in Bradford Township. FORSYTHE was found to be driving the vehicle. 

Troopers found a loaded firearm within the vehicle. FORSYTHE is prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm. Additionally, he possessed the firearm in a vehicle and did not have a concealed carry permit.

Trooper Bradley Walters of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks investigated the case. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  FORSYTHE was convicted of Persons Not to Possess a Firearm (Felony 1); Carrying a Firearm Without a License (Felony 3); and several vehicle code violations.  The jury found that the firearm was loaded so the Commonwealth will seek a sentencing enhancement as provided for under the Sentencing Code due to the increased risk to law enforcement.  FORSYTHE is currently the subject of a bench warrant.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.