South Jersey groomer charged after dog dies during appointment

WOODBURY — A local pet groomer is facing criminal charges after an investigation prompted by the death of a dog at his business.

Trevor Hunt, 39, was arrested for alleged drug crimes and other offenses after police responded to a call from a customer at K9 Kingdom around 1:30 p.m. on July 12, authorities said.

The customer told police he had dropped off his dog earlier that day at the business on Woodbury-Glassboro Road, according to a police statement. The man said he then was contacted by Hunt, who said his pet had died.

An investigation determined the scene would be held while police obtained a court-approved search warrant, but Hunt became uncooperative and was taken into custody, the statement said.

When the search warrant was approved and executed, officers found a "substantial" amount of alleged illegal drugs at the business.

As of July 16, Hunt had been charged with tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute.

Hunt was being held Tuesday at Salem County Jail, where a record indicates a charge against him involves cocaine and/or heroin.

An investigation is ongoing, police said.

A call to K9 Kingdom went to voicemail Tuesday, and signs posted at the location indicated the business was closed.

It was not known if Hunt has an attorney.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Woodbury Police Detective N. Cacciola at ncacciola@woodburypd.com or 856.845.0065, extension 142.

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.