Sunbury Couple Charged After 28 Animals and Child Found Living in Squalor

Police and Humane Society Officers Remove 28 Animals From Sunbury Home

A Sunbury couple faces 57 criminal counts each after authorities removed 28 neglected animals and a child from a residence on Amy Street, northcentralpa.com reported. Jonathan A. Reichert, 44, and Carrie M. Hawk, 46, were charged following an August 27 investigation that uncovered severe hoarding conditions and pervasive fecal matter throughout the property.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals first received a complaint regarding the residence on August 18. Callers reported poor living conditions and a heavy stench of animal waste emanating from the home.

Investigation and Discovery on Amy Street

Sunbury Police Sergeant Harry Nungesser made initial contact with Reichert in the home’s side yard on August 24. Reichert initially stated he was unsure how many dogs were inside before estimating the count at 26. He admitted to police that he and Hawk had failed to rehome two separate litters of puppies born over the previous year.

When officers entered the residence with consent, Nungesser reported that the air quality immediately caused his eyes and throat to burn. Investigators found 26 dogs, one cat, and one ferret living amid trash, discarded clothing, and extensive animal waste. A subsequent search on August 27 revealed fecal matter smeared across floors and walls, alongside rotten food and garbage littering the second-floor hallways where a minor child’s bedroom was located.

Surrender and Upcoming Court Dates

Reichert and Hawk agreed to surrender all 28 animals to law enforcement. Transporters took the animals to the PSPCA headquarters in Philadelphia for medical evaluation and care.

District Judge Rachel Wiest-Benner filed the charges through her office in Sunbury. Both defendants face one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child alongside 28 summary counts each of animal cruelty and shelter neglect.

Preliminary hearings for Reichert and Hawk are scheduled for November 10.