PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Marlton, New Jersey couple accused of animal cruelty and neglect are now facing additional charges.
Rebecca Halback, 35, and Brandon Leconey, 32, were arrested for a second time in connection to their animal abuse case in August, when police found about 100 dead dogs on the property and deplorable conditions.
Halback was arrested again by Evesham Township police, this time for allegedly posing as an employee of a local animal rescue to presumably facilitate adoptions and care for animals in her home. Leconey is accused of aiding her.
Both are now charged with offenses related to theft by deception and computer crimes.
In addition to the 100 dead dogs found at the time of their first arrests, authorities also discovered dead cats and rabbits and 14 sick or malnourished dogs.
Police said the couple created an online presence and obtained nearly $7,000 to care for the animals, but instead, they were starved to death.
The couple are also facing child endangerment charges related to the 9-year-old boy who was living with them in the house when the dead animals were discovered in August.
Halback and Leconey are being held in Burlington County Jail pending a court hearing. Officials expect there will be additional charges in the future.
