HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police and Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers, announced the arrests of two individuals charged with drug trafficking in Clearfield County. During a search, officers recovered two live African wildcats, which appeared to be unlawfully possessed.
Jennifer Dixon, 27, and Nicholas Rumsey, 33, are each charged with possession with intent to distribute, endangering the welfare of a child, and other related drug charges.
The Pennsylvania State Game Commission is investigating the conduct regarding the wildcats.
“Our agents never know what they’re going to find when they prepare for a search at a residence, and this case was no exception,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “The agents’ seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin ensures those drugs will not harm surrounding communities. The recovery and rescue of these wildcats provides the animals with opportunities to live safer, healthier lives – not caged in the basement of this home. I am grateful to Pennsylvania State Police and all the agencies involved in this operation for this remarkable seizure.”
“A large drug bust like this is the result of hard work and diligent investigative efforts by law enforcement,” District Attorney Sayers said. “Thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police and agents with the Attorney General’s Office, approximately 7,950 doses of fentanyl will not make it to the streets of Clearfield County. Additionally, the rescue of these African wildcats serves the dual benefit of protecting these exotic creatures and protecting the people in that neighborhood.”
Members of the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics and Pennsylvania State Police’s SERT team executed a search warrant at a Lawrence Township home on June 5, as a part of an investigation into Dixon and Rumsey.
As a result of the search, officers seized:
- Approximately three pounds of methamphetamine, valued at $19,200
- Approximately 159 grams of fentanyl, valued at $63,000
- Approximately nine grams of heroin, valued at $3,600
- Approximately $7,390 in US currency
- packaging/bags used for packaging
During the search, two exotic African wildcats were located in the basement of the residence. Permits are required to keep these animals in residences, and these cats appeared to be unlawfully kept. The Pennsylvania State Game Commission responded and confiscated the animals.
The investigation is ongoing.
The participating agencies include: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics, Pennsylvania State Police Troop C Vice, Pennsylvania State Police SERT, Clearfield Regional Police Department, Blair County Drug Task Force and the Pennsylvania State Game Commission.
The case will be prosecuted by the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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