Latest News
July 7, 2020

Area couple accused of cruelty to animals

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A couple has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving their pets unattended inside their residence for more than a week while on vacation.

Robert William Volk Jr., 22, of Allenport and his fiancée, Jordan McKenna Johnson, 20, of Belle Vernon are charged with five counts each of cruelty to animals, neglect of animals – sustenance/water, neglect of animals – shelter/protection and neglect of animals – vet care. 

State police filed charges against the couple Monday at the office of Magisterial District Judge Eric G. Porter. 

According to a criminal complaint, troopers were notified June 8 by a neighbor that animals had been abandoned at a home in the 1700 block of Main Street in Allenport. 

A neighbor told police he had not seen the neighbors since June 2 and there were thought to be two cats and two dogs inside. 

The neighbor told police June 7 two dogs could be seen in the window.

On June 8, the neighbor went to check on the animals, but could only see one dog through the window.

Trooper Annabel Mosco checked the residence and reported an odor of feces. Mosco said the residence appeared to be in deplorable conditions. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

McKeesport’s Festival of Trees starts today
Latest News, Main
December 4, 2025
The City of McKeesport’s 40th annual Festival of Trees officially kicks off today at the Jacob Woll (Main) Pavilion in Renziehausen Park. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. today through Monday. Participants we...
Ringgold board votes for leadership changes
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 4, 2025
Board Director Carol Fida Flament was voted first vice president of the school board. With two newcomers taking the oath and a 5-4 vote deciding its next president, the Ringgold School Board started t...
Evans, Cummings to lead EF School Board
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 4, 2025
Longtime board President Tom Sharkey was not reappointed to the position during Wednesday’s reorganization meeting. Jamie Evans and Rick Cummings are the new Elizabeth Forward School Board president a...
McKeesport holds the line on taxes in budget; promotes officers
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 4, 2025
City officials also thanked several outgoing leaders and promoted several police officers. McKeesport council approved the 2026 budget that will keep tax rates the same for city property owners. Durin...
Pa. residents can now apply for LIHEAP heating aid
Latest News, Main
December 4, 2025
Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now taking applications following a delay due to the government shutdown. By MEGAN TROTTER TribLive A day after three inches of sno...
Howard Hanna Simon to host annual Chow Chow fundraiser
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 4, 2025
The 26th annual event will be held at the Clubhouse Grille at Cedarbrook Golf Course on Friday. Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate will celebrate its 26th annual Chow Chow Luncheon fundraiser this Friday ...