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The men worked at Plainville Farms to capture and crate turkeys that were destined for food processing plants, police stated in a release on Thursday, Oct. 6.
The investigation launched in August 2021 following a complaint filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, after a PETA employee "witnessed the actions of the turkey catchers," police say.
Corporal Michael Spada, animal cruelty officer in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Investigative Services Section, alleges the defendants kicked, stomped, and beat turkeys at farms in Chester, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Perry, and Union counties.
"This was a lengthy, detailed investigation that involved reviewing a lot of evidence at multiple locations," said Spada. "I'd like to thank the outside agencies for their involvement and Plainville Farms for their cooperation."
The charges include six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 76 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and 57 related summary offenses.
The defendants are identified as:
- From McSherrystown: Bryce P. Washington, 26; Miguel Turi Cantellano, 65; Juan Turi Baeza, 37.
- From Hanover: Jason K. Turner, 22; Bryiant O. Perez-Paez, 40.
- Francisco M. Lebron-Cruz, 39, of Thomasville.
- Jose E. Turi Baeza, 29, of New Oxford.
- Kevin L. Wagaman, 49, of Fayetteville.
- Mitchell E. Buckley, 23, of Aspers.
- Christopher S. McArdle, 37, of Gettysburg.
- Joseph Nunez Rosario, 41, of York.
Another individual who has not been identified is believed to have been involved.
Additional details on the case have not been released.
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