By Chuck Biedka

Published: Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 12:56 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, September 20, 2012

A couple is accused of using an Internet website to sell a wandering neighborhood puppy instead of trying to find its owner.

Scott Duff, 41, and Roxanne Duff, 38, of the 600 block of Second Street, each face three charges.

Leechburg police Chief Mike Diebold said the tale started on Sept. 3 when a neighbor's golden retriever and a 6-month-old Rottweiler puppy showed up at the Duffs' house.

Police allege that Roxanne Duff left a phone message for police asking what she should do with two dogs. Police said she was told to contact Orphans of the Storm, an animal shelter in Kittanning, or Hoffman Kennels, the borough's dog catcher.

Later, Roxanne Duff said the puppy had run away, according to police.

According to court papers, the golden retriever was given back to its owner, who also lives on Second Avenue, but he was told that the puppy had run away.

The next day, the owner called police to say he believed the puppy was still at the Duffs' house despite what he was told.

When asked if they still had the puppy, the couple allegedly said no. Later, police were told that the puppy was seen in the yard.

Police said they confronted the couple, who allegedly admitted to selling the dog through Craigslist for $50. Roxanne Duff told police who bought the dog.

The puppy was retrieved from a Pittsburgh woman who police said was unaware of the theft.

Last week, police charged Scott and Roxanne Duff with not making a reasonable effort to return lost property, two counts of conspiracy, and filing false reports.

Police mailed the charges to the couple.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.

Chuck Biedka is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-226-4711 or cbiedka@tribweb.com.

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