Man Admits to Damaging Wells

An Arizona man says he damaged three wells and caused an oil spill in McKean County.

State police say 20-year-old Jeffrey Branham admitted to breaking off pressure gauges at three wells owned by Howard Drilling off forestry road 261, just west of Route 321 in Hamilton Township.

Police were called to the site at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon for a report of a gas explosion and oil leak. One of the damaged wells spilled several barrels of oil.

A cost for the damage hasn't been determined yet.

Branham was arraigned early this morning by District Judge Dominic Cercone on felony charges of risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief. He’s jailed on $50,000 bail.

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