In Westmoreland County Court yesterday, a New Florence-area woman pleaded guilty to fourteen felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty. As part of a plea deal, 54-year-old Alexsandria Klochak of Ross Mountain Park in Fairfield Township will avoid prison time, serve two years of probation, and pay $5,000 restitution to the animal rescue organization that took on the task of rescuing the animals that were living in her home.
A condition of the plea deal was that Klochak’s parents be permitted to enter the county’s ARD program, which will allow them to eventually have their records in the case expunged.
Alexsandria Klochuk had rejected the plea deal and elected to stand trial until it was explained to her that if she did, her parents would lose their plea deal and all of them would have to stand trial, with a possible jail sentence of 98 years. Acting without an attorney, Alexsandria was given time to consult with her parents, and then accepted the plea bargain.
Authorities found 67 cats, 30 dogs, a deer, and a turtle living in deplorable conditions inside Klochak’s home. Alexsandria lived there but her parents owned the home.
While the criminal case is settled, there is still a lawsuit filed by All But Forgotten, the rescue organization that is seeking about $270,000 for veterinary bills and the care of the animals, as well as forfeiture expenses.
