CHARLEROI MAN FACES ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES

A Charleroi man is facing charges after police said they found 21 cats were found dead at a home in West Newton.  According to a news release from Westmroeland County DA Nicole Ziccarelli, Jonathan Hodgetts faces charges of animal cruelty after the cats were found dead at a home on North 2nd Street.  The homeowner called police after finding all her cats deceased and in various states of decay, and said that Hodgetts was supposed to be taking care of them.  A veterinarian performed a necropsy on the cats and determined the cats died due to starvation.Hodgetts is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, and neglect.