Two Luzerne County residents are facing a mountain of criminal charges following an investigation into the extreme neglect of farm animals across two properties. William Marshall, 73, of Shickshinny, and Rhonda Curcione, 68, of Hunlock Creek, have been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after authorities discovered livestock living in deplorable conditions. The investigation, which began in October 2025, led to the seizure of 11 bovines and six chickens that were found to be emaciated and in desperate need of veterinary intervention.
According to court affidavits, a veterinarian at the SPCA of Luzerne County determined the animals had "very low body scores," indicating severe malnutrition. In addition to being deprived of food, water, and sanitary shelter, the animals were found living alongside the remains of several dead animals that had not been properly disposed of. The SPCA has since placed the survivors on intensive refeeding programs and deworming protocols. Marshall and Curcione now face over 100 combined charges, including felony aggravated cruelty involving torture and causing significant bodily injury or death, as well as multiple counts of animal neglect.