Drug and Traffic Charges Filed Against Emporium Man in McKean

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SMETHPORT, Pa. – A Smethport Borough Magisterial District Court docket shows that Samuel Patrick Hoffower, 33, of Emporium, Pennsylvania, has been charged with a series of drug‑related misdemeanors and multiple traffic violations stemming from an incident on May 9, 2026.

The criminal case, docket number MJ‑48302‑CR‑0000161‑2026, was filed on September 16, 2026 after an arrest by the Lewis Run Police Service. The arresting officer listed is Timothy W. Mix. Hoffower was fingerprinted at the time of booking. No bail amount or conditions were disclosed in the docket, and the defendant has not requested a public defender.

Magisterial District Judge William K. Todd, who was assigned to the case on August 31, 2026, scheduled a preliminary arraignment for October 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the same district court. The case remains active and is listed as “Awaiting Preliminary Hearing.”

Charges filed against Hoffower include:

• Misdemeanor – Intentional possession of a controlled substance by a person not regulated, 18 Pa.C.S. § 780‑113(A)(16) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Five counts of misdemeanor – Use or possession of drug paraphernalia, 18 Pa.C.S. § 780‑113(A)(32) – each offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Failure to display rear lights, 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303(b) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Vehicle registration required; registration expired more than 60 days, non‑Pennsylvania or unregistered, 75 Pa.C.S. § 1301(a) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Misuse of plate‑card, 75 Pa.C.S. § 1372(2) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Operation of a vehicle without required financial responsibility, 75 Pa.C.S. § 1786(f) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Driving while operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked privilege (first‑offense DUI/ARD), 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543(b)(1i) – offense date 05/09/2026.
• Summary offense – Driving without a valid license (second offense or subsequent within seven years), 75 Pa.C.S. § 1501(a) – offense date 05/09/2026.

The McKean County District Attorney’s Office, located at the McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749, is prosecuting the case. The district attorney’s office can be reached at 814‑887‑3312.

Hoffower’s case will proceed to the scheduled preliminary arraignment, where the court will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to bind the defendant over to the Court of Common Pleas. As required by Pennsylvania law, Hoffower is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This article was generated based on publicly available court docket information. While we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors or omissions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official court records and legal guidance, please consult the appropriate court or legal professional.