COLUMBIA, PA — Newly filed criminal complaints in Lancaster County Magisterial District Court outline disturbing conditions inside a Columbia-area home, where authorities say a teenage child and dozens of animals were living in what investigators described as “deplorable and unsanitary” circumstances.

According to official police complaints and affidavits of probable cause, Andrew S. Culp and Jessica Lynn Drexler, residents of 739 High Ridge Road in West Hempfield Township, are each facing felony charges stemming from an April 22, 2026 investigation involving local police and SPCA officers.

Charges and Legal Allegations

Court filings show both defendants are charged with:

• Endangering the Welfare of Children (18 Pa.C.S. § 4304, Felony 3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (18 Pa.C.S. § 903, Felony 3)

The charges stem from allegations that the couple knowingly allowed a 16-year-old minor (identified in court records as “JD”) to live in unsafe conditions while also maintaining an overwhelming number of animals inside the home.

In the complaint, investigators state that Culp, identified as the child’s stepfather, and Drexler, the child’s mother, were responsible for supervision and care, yet allegedly failed to meet those obligations.

Investigation Timeline

The case began unfolding on April 21–22, 2026, after a complaint from an HVAC technician raised concerns about conditions inside the home.

According to the affidavit:

• The technician reported a large number of animals and troubling living conditions inside the residence.
• SPCA officials initiated an investigation and obtained a search warrant for the property.

On April 22, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., West Hempfield Township Police met with SPCA officers near Bridge Valley Park before proceeding to the residence to execute the warrant.

Conditions Inside the Home

When officers arrived at the property, they reported immediately detecting a “strong foul odor” and observing numerous flies outside the residence, along with the sound of multiple animals barking.

Upon entering the home, investigators described conditions in stark terms:

• The odor of ammonia was “overwhelming,” forcing officers to wear N95 masks and exit periodically for fresh air.
• Animal feces and urine were widespread, covering floors, carpeting, walls, cabinetry, and even refrigerator surfaces.
• Multiple rooms were filled with animals, with some areas difficult or impossible to access due to loose dogs.

Investigators further noted:

• Dogs housed in cages were standing among feces, while others roamed freely through living areas.
• The kitchen sink contained standing water and dirty dishes, also contaminated with animal waste.
• The child’s bedroom reportedly contained two rabbits and a cage with feces both inside and outside the enclosure.

Animal Welfare Findings

Authorities removed a total of 93 animals from the property, including:

• 76 dogs
• 15 cats
• 2 rabbits

Many of the animals were described as being in poor physical condition, including:

• Underweight appearance
• Matted fur
• Coating of feces on their bodies

The scale of the animal presence contributed significantly to the hazardous living environment noted in the complaint.

Child Welfare Concerns

Central to the charges is the presence of the 16-year-old minor living full-time in the residence amid these conditions.

Pennsylvania law requires guardians to provide a minimum standard of care, protection, and support for minors. Investigators allege that standard was violated due to the unsanitary conditions and exposure to potential health risks.

The complaints explicitly state that both defendants “knowingly endangered the welfare of a child” by allowing the situation to persist.

Legal Status

The complaints were filed in late April 2026, with:

• Andrew Culp’s case filed May 4, 2026 (Docket CR-144-2026)
• Jessica Drexler’s case filed May 6, 2026 (Docket CR-145-2026)

Both cases were approved by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office prior to filing, as required under Pennsylvania criminal procedure.

As of the filing of the complaints, authorities requested that warrants or summonses be issued requiring the defendants to respond to the charges in court.

Community Impact

While the allegations remain subject to adjudication in court, the details outlined in official filings paint a serious picture of overcrowding, neglect, and potential health hazards within a residential neighborhood in Columbia.

The case highlights broader concerns around:

• Animal hoarding and welfare enforcement
• Environmental health risks within private residences
• Safeguards for minors in unsafe living conditions

What Comes Next

The matter will proceed through Lancaster County’s court system, where both defendants will have the opportunity to respond to the charges and present their defense.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

ColumbiaPa.Online will continue to follow this case and provide updates as additional court proceedings and factual developments become available.