DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — State police believe there could be hundreds of victims from one taxidermist in Derry Township.
John Anthony is one of many who police say gave Mike Chesla, of Forever Ridge Taxidermy, a deposit with an animal and have not received anything in return.
“I’m out of my trophy, fish, and out my money,” Anthony said. “In that business, I understand it takes a while, but now we’re looking at almost four years since the first two fish were taken in, and it will be three in April for this last one.”
Eric Haggerty tells Channel 11 it’s been two years since he gave Chesla his coyote. He says several others have had the same experience.
“I heard there was a little boy who caught his first fish, but, unfortunately, never ended up receiving that back,” Haggerty said. “So, I’m kinda having a heavy heart for everyone else out there who is in the same shoes as me.”
PSP, along with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, searched Chesla’s business on Dec. 22 and now have all the animals they found inside. Police could not confirm a total dollar amount for the unfulfilled jobs.
No arrests have been made at this time, but officials are asking all victims to come forward.
They received several complaints dating back to 2021 and believe there could be hundreds of people affected by the business.
Unfortunately, police couldn’t identify the animals’ owners, so if you believe they may have your property, call the state police barracks in Greensburg at 724-832-3288.
PSP tells potential victims to provide any proof tying them to their animals.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
