BRADFORD, PA – Justin Hartsel, 44, of Duke Center, has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $6,500 from Bradford’s Pumpkin Fest and now faces multiple fraud and identity theft charges.
Fraud & Identity Theft Allegations
Hartsel is accused of using a stolen debit card linked to Pumpkin Fest’s account. The festival’s treasurer contacted Bradford City Police after noticing unauthorized transactions on the card, which had both their name and the event’s name printed on it. The PIN number was stored with the card, allowing the suspect to withdraw funds.
Police reviewed surveillance footage from various locations in Bradford and Olean, N.Y., allegedly showing Hartsel using the card.
Hartsel has been charged with:
13 counts of access device fraud (9 felonies, 4 misdemeanors)
13 counts of identity theft
Theft by unlawful taking (felony)
Receiving stolen property (felony)
Arrest & Court Proceedings
Hartsel was arrested and arraigned on March 18 before District Judge Rich Luther. He is currently jailed on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Central Court on Thursday.
Additional Drug Charges
Hartsel is also facing drug-related charges from a March 2024 traffic stop in Bradford. During the stop, officers discovered:
Fentanyl
Tin foil & a straw (drug paraphernalia)
At the time, Hartsel had 22 active warrants, including arrest warrants. He allegedly admitted to purchasing drugs from a South Avenue location.
For these drug charges, Hartsel is being held on an additional $5,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
