West Newton, PA -- West Newton Police charged a Charleroi man with various animal cruelty offenses after officers discovered more than 20 cats deceased inside of a residence.

West Newton Police said Jonathan Hodgetts was supposed to be caring for 21 cats who were found deceased in a residence on North 2nd Street in West Newton. 

The homeowner called police after finding all of her cats deceased and in various stages of decomposition. She told investigators that Hodgetts was supposed to be caring for the cats for the past year while she was taking care of a sick cat. 

She told officers that she sent supplies to the residence for the cats, and Hodgetts sent her pictures and assured her that the cats were fine. 

The homeowner told police that Hodgetts was rescuing the cats and getting them fixed and the two had plans to turn a detached garage into a cat sanctuary. 

A veterinarian performed a necropsy on the cats and determined the cats died due to starvation. 

The homeowner told police she last saw the cats alive in July of 2026. 

Hodgetts is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, and neglect. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.