Cherish Pridham (aka Cherish Nzueni), 27, of rural Washington County, was arrested at about 9:30 p.m. Monday, August 4, at her residence at 5323 County Road 31. Pridham was also arrested on suspicion of false reporting and for driving with a suspended license.
After receiving a citizen complaint on July 31, Scherer said investigators drove to the residence at that time and found three malnourished horses, a dead dog and the skeletal remains of various animals scattered about the yard.
The evidence found on July 31 led to the issuance of a search warrant, which was served Monday evening.
Neither Nzueni nor Paul Muia, 45 were at home when the officers arrived, but Nzueni drove up while the investigation was under way. She was cited for animal neglect and also arrested and jailed for driving under suspension and providing false information. When Muia arrived at the Washington County jail Tuesday morning to post Nzueni's $700 bond, he too, was cited for animal neglect.
Scherer said no additional evidence of endangered animals was found at the scene. A dog and two cats in the house seemed to be in good condition, he said.
The horses were taken to another facility and the remains of the dead animals were disposed of, Scherer said.
Rose Fister, who is associated with Helping Hand for Animals, a Washington County animal rescue agency, said Nzueni had contacted her several times, attempting to acquire dogs in need of foster care. Fister said she hesitated to release animals to Nzueni's care because the woman continuously reported her animals stolen or missing.
The investigation into the case continues.
According to The Associated Press, sheriff officials also were looking at a connection to Nzueni over possible Internet fraud and allegations of missing animals.
MAINE COON ALLIANCE WARNING OTHERS ABOUT HER
- January 07, 2004
Subject: CHERISH NZUENI, Washington County, NE - could be anywhere now
URGENT--please forward this to EVERY Rescuer, breeder, vet clinic, pet
shop owner you know or even remotely know-- Esp those in the States of NE, IA, MO, KS, SD, MN, CO!
I am attaching emails regarding a known criminal from Nebraska. Last known to live in Washington County AND Douglas County--Omaha, Herman and Blair NE.
She goes by the name of Cherish Nzueni, Cherish Pridham, Cherish Muia and possibly other names as well. She is a white female w/light brown wavy hair, in her 20s or early 30s.
Will be most likely with a man or men of Sudanese/Nigerian nationality-- Most likely, a Sudanese attorney by the name of Paul Muia. This man is not to be trusted either. His license to practice law has been suspended for several months due to unrelated complaints filed against him with the State Bar.
Cherish poses as a rescuer, a breeder or a groomer. This woman is a con artist and an EXCESSIVE animal abuser. It seems she has skipped the county and many are looking for her. I fear she may be out of state by now as her name(s) is/are pretty well known in Eastern NE due to her face being on the news this summer.
Cherish was evicted from house that was raided. There were 3 pigs on porch, 2 headless white domestic rabbits in driveway, 2 shar peis, black lab, small brown dog, miniature pinscher & garbage can full of carcasses.
Any info anyone may have or will have on her, needs to be forwarded to Rick at the Blair Animal Shelter 402.533.2743 or better yet, the Washington County Sheriff's dept. at once 402-426-6866.
(Pilot Tribune - Aug 8, 2003)
2004 Update:
Apparently Chrish Nzueni is incarcerated at the Iowa State Prison.
Full name: Cherish N. Nzueni
Sex: Female
Birthdate: 10/2/1975
Offense: FORGERY
Level of crime: D Felony
Commitment date: 12/14/2004
Tentative release date: 12/14/2006
2015 Update:
Harrison County, Iowa - as of November 17, 2015 - has an active warrant for Cherish Nicole Nzueni's arrest (warrant number SRCR008852). Her bond is listed as $9,750. The warrant was issued 03/22/2005 so she must've been released from prison and has since disappeared if they've had an open warrant out for her for 10 years.
