Authorities in Smethport are investigating a break-in at the
McKean County Courthouse over Labor Day weekend.

While details are sketchy as to exactly what occurred, unknown
individual(s) apparently gained access to the treasurer’s office on
the first floor of the courthouse sometime between Sept. 5 and 6
through an adjoining office.

Once inside, the individuals apparently attempted to break into
a safe, but were unsuccessful. However, they did take a donation
jar of change from the treasurer’s office counter; the amount that
was allegedly taken was not immediately disclosed.

Smethport Borough Police said there was minor damage inside the
office. There was nothing apparently taken from the adjoining
office.

According to a press release Thursday from Police Chief Ryan
Yingling, the incident is still under investigation, and no further
details were being released at this time. Yingling was not
immediately available for further comment.

Officer Mark Deluca, who answered the phone at the Smethport
station Thursday, confirmed that no further details were being
released.

Treasurer Nancy Evans confirmed there was a break-in at her
office, but declined to say anything further about the
incident.

McKean County Commissioner Chairman John Egbert said he was
informed of the incident shortly after it happened.

“Security in this building is not an easy task,” Egbert said,
adding county officials are working on upgrading the security
system – as well as the entire computer system. “Since the day we
(New Directions Team) walked into this building, it has been hard
to make sense of the security plan.

“Until we get what I would say is a good (security) plan, we
aren’t going to spend money on it,” Egbert added.

Egbert said he didn’t believe “anything of much value was taken”
during the break-in.

The courthouse does have metal detectors in place for those
entering the courtrooms on the second floor and near the main
entrance to the facility.

Smethport Police said anybody with information regarding the
incident is asked contact them or the McKean County 911 Center.