Woman arrested, accused of using animal rescue as front for drug business
A 59-year-old woman from Flagler County is accused of animal cruelty. Authorities say Ruth Rupprecht has been under investigation since May when a puppy was adopted from her “Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue” and then died a few days later.As WESH 2 News first reported last month, deputies got a warrant to search Rupprecht’s Palm Coast home. During the search, investigators said they found $20,000 in cash, more than 100 prescription medications and 46 sick animals.Deputies said the animals in her care were living in filthy conditions. One cat died before animal services arrived and the rest of the pets were taken to the Flagler Humane Society.Sheriff Rick Staly says Rupprecht was using the animal rescue as a front for selling drugs.”People use all kinds of businesses and fronts for criminal activity. On one hand, she’s tugging on the heartstrings of our community to come and donate money and adopt dogs and on the other hand, she’s using all of that to sell drugs, just a front, and not even taking care of the animals that she’s using as part of her ploy,” Staly said.Rupprecht was booked into the jail Wednesday on multiple drug charges and 10 counts of cruelty to animals. She was ordered to be held on $50,000 bond.
A 59-year-old woman from Flagler County is accused of animal cruelty.
Authorities say Ruth Rupprecht has been under investigation since May when a puppy was adopted from her “Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue” and then died a few days later.
As WESH 2 News first reported last month, deputies got a warrant to search Rupprecht’s Palm Coast home.
During the search, investigators said they found $20,000 in cash, more than 100 prescription medications and 46 sick animals.
Deputies said the animals in her care were living in filthy conditions. One cat died before animal services arrived and the rest of the pets were taken to the Flagler Humane Society.
Sheriff Rick Staly says Rupprecht was using the animal rescue as a front for selling drugs.
“People use all kinds of businesses and fronts for criminal activity. On one hand, she’s tugging on the heartstrings of our community to come and donate money and adopt dogs and on the other hand, she’s using all of that to sell drugs, just a front, and not even taking care of the animals that she’s using as part of her ploy,” Staly said.
Rupprecht was booked into the jail Wednesday on multiple drug charges and 10 counts of cruelty to animals. She was ordered to be held on $50,000 bond.
https://www.wesh.com/article/woman-arrested-accused-of-using-animal-rescue-as-front-for-drug-business/37900205