BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. — A former Bucks County Sheriff’s deputy has been charged following an investigation into allegations that he used his personal cellphone to photograph partially or fully unclothed prisoners during arrests and later distributed the images to multiple contacts without the prisoners’ knowledge or consent.
The charges stem from a months-long investigation conducted by the Bucks County Detectives after a complaint was received by the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office in late March.
Charges Filed
Ryan Gaffney, 47, of Lower Southampton Township, was charged by summons on Monday with:
- Two counts of Official Oppression
- One count of Unsworn Falsification to Authorities
- One count of Obstruction of the Administration of Law
- One count of Possession of an Instrument of Crime with Intent
The allegations remain unproven, and Gaffney is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigation Timeline
According to Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan and court documents, the investigation began on March 31 after the sheriff’s office received a complaint concerning an arrest that occurred on January 30 at a residence on the 1300 block of Frosty Hollow Road in Middletown Township’s Levittown section.
Authorities stated that five uniformed deputies responded to execute an arrest warrant involving a man reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis.
Detectives allege that body-worn camera footage from another deputy showed Gaffney covering his own body camera with his hand before using his personal iPhone to photograph the prisoner while the individual was naked from the waist down and attempting to put on pants.
According to investigators, witness statements indicated Gaffney later displayed the photograph to female civilian employees and fellow deputies at the Bucks County Justice Center “in jest.”
Second Alleged Incident Identified
During the investigation, detectives reportedly uncovered an earlier incident dating to December 26, 2024.
According to court records, a forensic examination of Gaffney’s cellphone located an image depicting another male prisoner who was handcuffed, unclothed, and positioned face-down across a bed.
Investigators allege the prisoner neither consented to the photograph nor knew it had been taken.
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Alleged Distribution of Images
According to investigators, forensic data extracted from Gaffney’s cellphone showed the photographs had been shared with multiple contacts.
Authorities allege:
- One photograph was sent to 12 separate phone numbers.
- Multiple contacts received images depicting prisoners in states of undress.
- Witnesses reported the images were shown to coworkers as a joke.
These allegations are contained in charging documents and have not yet been adjudicated in court.
Alleged Obstruction of the Investigation
Investigators also allege Gaffney attempted to interfere with the investigation.
According to court filings:
- Gaffney submitted a signed written statement during an April 6 voluntary administrative interview stating he had only used his phone to text his wife.
- Defense counsel reportedly provided screenshots from the phone’s photo library and “Recently Deleted” folders in an effort to demonstrate the images did not exist.
- A subsequent court-authorized forensic examination allegedly located both photographs still active on the device.
These allegations form part of the criminal case and remain subject to judicial review.
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Statements From Officials
Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan stated:
“The people of Bucks County must be able to trust that those sworn to protect them will respect their basic rights and dignity at all times, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. When a deputy sheriff breaks the law and then attempts to cover it up by lying about it, it erodes the public trust that thousands of honest public servants work daily to preserve.”
Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler stated:
“Former Deputy Gaffney’s conduct was beyond unacceptable and not in any way representative of the highly professional deputies who serve this county with integrity every day. I commend the Bucks County Detectives for their excellent investigative work in this matter.”
Defense Responds
Gaffney’s attorney, Paul Lang, emphasized that the allegations have not been proven and stated:
“My client, Ryan Gaffney, is a veteran and father who has spent his life serving his country and his community through law enforcement. Unlike the District Attorney’s Office, I will address this case in court, not through one-sided social media posts or press conferences. Ryan Gaffney deserves due process, not trial by publicity. These are allegations, not facts, and we look forward to answering them where they belong, in a courtroom.”
Employment History
According to county personnel records obtained through Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law:
- Gaffney joined the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office in 2023.
- His employment ended on June 22.
- He previously served approximately ten years with the Lower Moreland Township Police Department.
- He also worked part-time with the Penndel Borough Police Department.
- He served as a part-time officer with the Hulmeville Borough Police Department.
The defendant’s current employment status with Hulmeville Borough has not been officially confirmed. Borough officials declined to comment. Public observations indicate his name has been removed from the borough’s website, and a source stated he is not actively working there.
A 2023 Hulmeville Borough newsletter quoted Gaffney as identifying his favorite motto as:
“Always tell the truth and take responsibility for your actions.”
Current Status
The criminal case remains pending.
- Gaffney has been charged by summons.
- The allegations have not been proven in court.
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August before District Judge Mark Douple.
- The defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Ryan Gaffney face?
Authorities charged him with:
- Two counts of Official Oppression
- One count of Unsworn Falsification to Authorities
- One count of Obstruction of the Administration of Law
- One count of Possession of an Instrument of Crime with Intent
How did the investigation begin?
According to authorities, the investigation began after the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint concerning a January 30 arrest.
What evidence do investigators say they found?
According to charging documents, investigators relied on:
- Body-worn camera footage from another deputy.
- Witness statements.
- Court-authorized forensic analysis of Gaffney’s cellphone.
Has Gaffney been convicted?
No. The criminal case is pending, and all allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
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