NORRISTOWN — A small-animal dealer who supplied major pet retailers like Petco and PetSmart has pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty charges.

Clinton Arthur Holmes of Alburtis was originally cited for 28 instances of animal cruelty last August.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office says he pleaded guilty to the two charges Wednesday and was ordered to pay a fine of $300 on each of the counts and court costs. The other 26 counts were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

The charges followed an investigation at Holmes Farm after an animal-rights group shot video showing substandard conditions at the facility.

[naviga:h3]School star accused of rape[/naviga:h3]

SCOTT TOWNSHIP — A two-sport star at Chartiers Valley High School has been charged with raping a 17-year-old girl after allegedly luring her to his home with a gift.

Ross Wilkerson, 18, was the leading scorer for the basketball team when he was arrested Tuesday on rape, aggravated indecent assault and other charges. He also stars on the school’s baseball team and had planned to attend John Carroll University to play that sport.

Scott Township police say Wilkerson last Friday the girl to come to a pool house behind his home. Police say when the girl arrived, Wilkerson forced her to have sex.