Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, two Jasper residents were charged following the execution of a search warrant by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and its Animal Control Division. Arrested were 67-year-old Joan Adams Ellis and 64-year-old Jeffrey William Ellis, who were detained at the scene and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.
According to the press release from the HCSO, the search warrant was executed at a property in the southern area of the county in connection with a felony animal cruelty investigation. Once the scene was secured, Animal Control Division officers worked to capture, photograph and document each of the animals involved in the case. The condition of the animals was not available at press time.
Joan and Jeffrey were both charged with 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 41 counts of animal cruelty. Jeffrey was additionally charged with obstruction of law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant, resisting arrest with violence and assault on a law enforcement officer.
“This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty and hoarding I have seen in Hamilton County,” Sheriff Brian Creech said in a press release. “I’m extremely proud of the dedication and collaborative efforts shown by our Animal Control and deputies.”
Further information will be released as it becomes available.