Three men have been charged for the theft of a cat in Cressona.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, on Wednesday, January 10th, 2023, Andrew Huber, 26, of Pottsville, Ayden Spantak 19, of Pottsville, and Nathan Youst, 24, of Schuylkill Haven were charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals, theft by unlawful taking, cruelty to animals, and neglect of animals.According to court papers obtained through Magisterial District Judge Andrew J. Serrina's office, on January 3rd, 2024, State Police were contacted by a Cressona woman who said that on January 1st, 2024, her daughter's boyfriend, Huber, had two friends over—Spantak and Youst—on New Year's Eve.
It wasn't until January 1st that she noticed her black and white Maine Coon cat was missing. After initially thinking the cat got out and ran away, it wasn't until January 2nd, 2024, when she checked the home's Blink camera that she found Huber, Youst, and Spantak taking the cat.
In the videos, all three charged individuals were visible leaving the residence together, with Huber carrying a book bag. The affidavit stated that the bag was moving, and a clear cry from the cat could be heard, as if it was in distress. Huber was also seen forcefully grabbing the cat by the neck.
On January 3rd, 2024, Huber was interviewed by Schuylkill Haven State Police, where he stated he hung out with Youst and Spantak on the evening of the incident but did not reveal knowing the whereabouts of the missing cat.
After leaving the interview, Youst reportedly called the cat's owner's daughter, admitting to taking the cat and throwing it out the back of a moving truck but was unable to provide a specific location.
On January 9th, 2024, Huber was interviewed by State Police and admitted to taking the cat, putting it in a backpack, and then throwing it out of the vehicle on Berne Drive.
All three will answer to the above charges before Judge Serina.