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Name:
Cantu, Stephanie-Ann Michelle
Date of Booking:
02/18/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
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.]
On Monday, February 10th, 2025, at approximately 18:11 hours, I was dispatched to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in reference to trespass. I arrived on scene at 18:17 hours and made contact with the complainant, Mr. [VICTIM #1].
Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he wanted to enter his residence to collect his belongings but wanted law enforcement present. He explained he was deployed overseas with the Army and separated his wife during that time. Mr. [VICTIM #1] said he returned from deployment on January 30th, 2025, and stayed with some friends until he moved into his new apartment. He stated he looked through the living room window and saw trash all over the residence, to include feces, and one of his dogs. He said the dog was malnourished and completely covered in fleas. Mr. [VICTIM #1] said he did not want to go in the house because he was afraid he’d find a deceased dog.
Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he had been trying to contact his wife but she would not return his calls or messages. He said his wife had been staying with a friend somewhere in Ludowici, GA and does not know how long she’s been there. Mr. [VICTIM #1] believes Ms. Cantu has been gone for weeks, if not months.
I contacted and briefed my Supervisor who then brief the on-call CID detective. I also contacted and briefed Liberty County Animal Control.
While conducting my investigation I made contact with Ms. Cantu over phone. Ms. Cantu advised she had been staying with a friend about a week. I asked Ms. Cantu if there were dogs in the residence, which she responded saying there should be “at least two”. She said “someone” was supposed to feed the dogs while she was away but the batteries on the electronic door lock died, so they couldn’t get in.
Animal Control’s [REDACTED] arrived on scene. While on scene Mr. [VICTIM #1] made entry into the residence through the garage.
As I approached the garage, there was a strong smell, as if something was rotten. I them observed a deceased and decomposed animal believed to be a dog, laying under a grill. Animal Control entered the residence trough the front door, restrained and took possession of one dog. There was another deceased and decomposed dog, inside a kennel, by the living room. Upon further investigation we discovered what we believed were the remains of two small animal, possibly puppies.
There was a total of four deceased animals (possibly dogs), and one malnourished dog, retrieved from the residence.
Scene was turned over to CID Detective Ranisate (989) and Animal Control.
I provided Mr. [VICTIM #1] with a victim’s pamphlet, case number, and explained how to obtain a copy of this report.
[End of Narrative]
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
2/18/25
BOND ORDER – CASH BOND OF $600 AND PROPERTY $1,200
What this means: The judge set bond at $600 in cash or allowed a $1,200 property bond. This means the defendant could pay the cash amount or use property valued at $1,200 as collateral to be released from custody.
2/18/25
SPECIAL BOND CONDITIONS
What this means: The court placed specific rules on the defendant while out on bond. These conditions may include restrictions such as no contact orders, travel limits, or avoiding new arrests.
3/18/25
CASE BOND ($3,800)
What this means: A bond in the amount of $3,800 was posted for the case. Once paid or secured, the defendant was allowed to remain out of custody as long as all court dates are attended and bond conditions are followed.