Marijuana, Paraphernalia & Vehicle Violations Charged in Ridgway, McKean County
RIDGWAY, Pa. – A 18‑year‑old resident of Ridgway has been charged with multiple offenses stemming from a February 27, 2026 incident in McKean County. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed the case in Magisterial District Court 48‑3‑04 under docket number MJ‑48304‑CR‑0000148‑2026.
The defendant, Darien Joshua Gess, born February 14, 2008, was arrested by the Lewis Run Police Service (PSP). Arresting officer Hunter J. Freer documented the arrest, though the exact arrest date is not listed in the docket. Gess resides at a home address in Ridgway, PA 15853.
Charges filed against Gess include:
- § 780‑113(a)(31I) – Marijuana – Small amount for personal use (Class M)
- § 780‑113(a)(32) – Use or possession of drug paraphernalia (Class M)
- § 3310(a) – Following too closely – General rule (Class S)
- § 4703(a) – Operating a vehicle without a valid inspection – General rule (Class S)
- § 4524(c) – Windshield obstruction and non‑functional wipers – Other obstruction (Class M)
All offenses are dated February 27, 2026, the same day the alleged violations occurred.
The case was assigned to Magisterial District Judge David Richard Engman, with an issue date of September 9, 2026, and a filing date of September 22, 2026. The docket indicates the case is currently active and awaiting a preliminary hearing. A preliminary arraignment has been scheduled for October 6, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. before Judge Engman.
McKean County District Attorney’s Office is representing the Commonwealth. The office is located at the McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749, and can be reached at 814‑887‑3312. No public defender was requested, and the defendant has not yet been fingerprinted for the second time, though a prior fingerprinting is noted.
Bail or bond information was not disclosed in the docket, and no plea or disposition has been entered at this time. The case remains listed as “Active – Awaiting Preliminary Hearing.”
As required by Pennsylvania law, Gess is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.