McKean County Man Sentenced to Up to 10 Years for Cocaine, Gun Crimes
On October 9, 2026, McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg‑Shaffer announced the sentencing of David Dickinson, who was convicted of multiple felonies stemming from a cocaine trafficking operation and illegal firearm possession. The charges included Delivery of Cocaine (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (Felony 2), Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1), and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Contraband by an Inmate (Felony 2).
Judge [Name Redacted] imposed a prison term ranging from 55 to 120 months in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, followed by a consecutive year of supervised release. In addition to incarceration, Dickinson was ordered to cover laboratory testing fees, pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, submit a DNA sample, and comply with several other conditions.
The investigation was led by Detective Kolin Strawcutter of the McKean County Drug Task Force. The task force’s work began after a series of cocaine deliveries were traced to Dickinson between November 2025 and January 2026. When he was taken into custody at the McKean County Jail, officers discovered a loaded firearm and additional contraband, prompting the added firearm and inmate‑possession charges.
Earlier, on September 4, 2026, Dickinson entered a guilty plea to the same set of offenses. In a statement, DA Vettenburg‑Shaffer explained the significance of the “Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds” charge, noting that it allows prosecutors to target the financial side of drug trafficking—specifically, the use of drug money to fund further illegal activity.
The sentencing underscores the county’s aggressive stance against narcotics distribution and the illegal use of firearms. Residents with information about drug activity are urged to contact Chief County Detective Ryan D. Yingling, Coordinator of the McKean County Drug Task Force, at (814) 887‑3312 or submit tips via McKeanDA.org.
