Harley, a 3-year-old border collie Australian shepherd mix, died during a grooming appointment at K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights last year.(Provided Photo/Ashley Jenkins)
A dog groomer who was indicted on animal cruelty and drug charges after a customer’s pet died at his business last year faces four years in prison after pleading guilty in the case, according to court records.
Trevor J. Hunt, 40, owner of K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, had to agree to never work with animals again as a condition of the plea deal.
Hunt was arrested in July after he contacted a family to let them know their 3-year-old dog, named Harley, died during a grooming appointment, authorities previously said.
The family alerted police, who arrived at the business to investigate.
When Hunt allegedly became uncooperative with officers and tried to delete evidence from his phone, he was arrested, police said at the time.
A search of the business turned up more than a half ounce of heroin packaged in more than 60 small plastic baggies, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with his charges.
A necropsy on Harley, a border collie Australian shepherd mix, revealed no signs of illicit drugs in her system or any obvious indications of what caused her death, police later said.
Hunt was indicted in October on a charge of third-degree cruelty to animals, for allegedly failing to provide the dog with necessary care while in his custody.
He was also indicted on third-degree counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, as well as fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.
Under a deal with prosecutors, Hunt pleaded guilty Monday to a third-degree count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. In return, prosecutors will recommend a four-year prison sentence.
The other charges, including animal cruelty, will be dismissed. But, Hunt had to agree to never work with animals in the future as a condition of the plea agreement, according to court documents.
His sentencing is scheduled for April.
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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
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