Authorities say Ruth Rupprecht has actually been under investigation since May when a puppy was adopted from her “Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue” and then died a few days later.

As WESH 2 News first reported last month, deputies obtained a warrant to search Rupprecht’s Hand Coast home.

During the search, investigators said they located $20,000 in cash, greater than 100 prescription medications and 46 ill animals.

Deputies said the animals in her care were staying in filthy problems. One cat died before animal services showed up and the rest of the pets were taken to the Flagler Humane Society.

Sheriff Rick Staly says Rupprecht was using the animal rescue as a front for offering drugs.

“People use all kinds of businesses and fronts for criminal task. On one hand, she’s tugging on the heartstrings of our community to come and donate money and also adopt dogs and on the other hand, she’s using every one of that to offer drugs, simply a front, and not also caring for the animals that she’s using as part of her tactic,” Staly said.

Rupprecht was reserved right into the prison Wednesday on several drug costs and 10 counts of ruthlessness to animals. She was ordered to be hung on $50,000 bond.