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Written by: E. George
Published October 29, 2024 @ 1:35 PM ET
Warning: The following report describes alleged violence against/neglect of animals.
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. – On August 12, 2024, deputies from the local sheriff’s department were dispatched to a residential property following reports of possible animal cruelty.
The deputies arrived at the scene after receiving a call from the property manager, who reported that a septic service crew had smelled a foul odor near the backyard of the residence. The complainant explained that while conducting repairs, Blevins Septic had discovered the source of the smell: a dead dog confined in a crate covered with a tarp.
Upon further questioning, the property manager indicated that the suspect, Keyona Nichelle Simpson, previously owned a dog, but it had been taken by animal control.
When approached by the deputies, Simpson denied any knowledge of the deceased animal. She acknowledged having owned a husky but insisted that the dog in question was not hers.
Instead, she showed deputies a photo of her former husky to support her claim. However, the deputies noted that the dog found in the crate was identified as a German shepherd-type.
The deputies asked permission to check the backyard, which Simpson granted before stating that she wasn’t sure if it was technically located on her property or not. They discovered a young German shepherd-type dog, mostly decomposed, lying in a crate that was closed but not locked. Nearby, another dog was partially covered by a bedsheet, its remains reduced to bones.
Additional detectives were notified and arrived at the scene to assist. Animal control personnel were also called to manage the remains of the deceased animals.
One officer recognized the offender and had prior knowledge of a brown dog that matched the description of one of the deceased animals. Deputies were able to confirm through a photograph that the collar on the dead dog was identical to that of the previous dog known to animal control.
Detectives read Simpson her Miranda Rights, as she suddenly claimed she had forgotten about the dogs and was unaware they were on her property.
Given the presence of three small children—one as young as two months—the suspect was not immediately handcuffed. She indicated that the father of her children lived in Cleveland, Tennessee, and could come to pick them up.
Once the father arrived to assume custody of the children, deputies placed Simpson under arrest. She faces charges of animal cruelty.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on August 12, 2024]
On August 12, 2024 Deputy Rogers and Deputy Carlock were dispatched to the incident location in reference to possible animal cruelty. Upon arrival Deputy Rogers spoke with the complainant who is the the property manager. The complainant advised she had Blevins Septic out at the incident location on this date to due some repair. While Blevins Septic was on scene the complainant advised that Blevins Septic smelled a bad odor just outside the maintained back yard area of the residence. The complainant advised that Blevins Septic found that the odor was from a dead dog in a dog crate with a tarp placed over it. The complainant advised that the suspect who lives at the incident location had a dog before but animal control took it.
Deputy Rogers and Deputy Carlock then made contact with the suspect. The suspect stated she was unaware of what the complainant was talking about. The suspect stated she use to have a husky dog and the complainant advised that this was a german shepherd type dog. The suspect showed Deputy Rogers a photo on her of the husky she use to have as well. Deputy Rogers asked the suspect if it would be alright for Deputy Rogers and Deputy Carlock to look at the dog outback and she advised yes, but was not sure if it was technically located on her property or not.
Deputy Carlock observed the dog in the crate which was shut all the way but not locked. The dog appeared to be a young german shepherd type dog and was mainly decomposed except for the fur and a reddish in color collar around its neck. Also a few feet away from the crate was another deceased dog partially covered in a in a bed sheet. This dog was decomposed to the point there was nothing left but bones.
Deputy Rogers advised Detective Jordan who was the on call Detective and shortly later she arrived on scene. Deputy Rogers also notified animal control who responded to dispose of the deceased animals.
After animal control arrived on scene the animal control officer advised that he was familiar with the offender and had a picture of a brown in color dog that he had dealt with before. Upon seeing the picture of the dog animal control had, it was confirmed that the deceased dog was the same dog and the deceased dog was wearing the same collar as the dog in the picture as well.
Upon learning this new information and evidence of ownership, Detective Jordan read the offender her Miranda Rights. The offender stated she had forgot about that dog but did not know it was out there.
The offender advised she was under arrest but not handcuffed at the time because of having 3 small children under the age of 5 with her including a 2 month old. The offender advised that the children’s father lived primarily in Cleveland Tennessee and could come pick up the children. Deputy Carlock stood by with the offender until Lieutenant Cunningham arrived and stood by with the offender until the father arrived to take possession of the children.
Detective Jordan advised she would handle booking the offender/taking warrants on the offender.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on August 12, 2024]
On August 12th, 2024 at approximately 1845 hours, Lt. Cunningham responded to the incident location to relieve Deputy Rogers. Lt. Cunningham stood by with the offender until a responsible arrived for the juveniles. Lt. Cunningham then placed the offender under arrest. Lt. Cunningham handcuffed the offender in the front, checked the handcuffs for proper fit and double locked the handcuffs. The offender was searched by Detective Jordan. Lt. Cunningham transported the offender to detention and turned her over to detention staff without incident. Lt. Cunningham searched the rear seat of his patrol vehicle before and after transport for contraband with none found.
[End of Narrative]
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