Wild PA Police Raid: Fentanyl, Wildcats Seized

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, PA —Two people have been arrested and two African wildcats that apparently were being unlawfully held were rescued in what authorities are terming an unusual drug trafficking case.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Monday that 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 two were arrested in Lawrence Township, about two hours northeast of Pittsburgh.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding 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,” Sunday said in a statement.

“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."

Said Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers: “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.”

Authorities raided the home on June 5. 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 cash.

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 game commission confiscated the animals.

The investigation is ongoing.

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