A Natchez man was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of six charges of simple cruelty to a cat or dog in a case that began with the rescue of dozens of animals from a Lily Lane property.
Jaramy Zevon Johnson, 38, chose to go to trial in Adams County Justice Court rather than settle the matter through a plea agreement, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
After hearing the evidence, Judge Danny Barber convicted Johnson on six counts of simple cruelty to a cat or dog.
Barber sentenced Johnson to six months in the Adams County Jail for each offense, with the sentences to run consecutively for a total of 36 months. Johnson was additionally penalized $1,000 for each offense, totaling $6,000.
The remaining charges were remanded for filing in Justice Court, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation began on July 15, when a concerned resident called 911 to report suspected animal abuse and neglect at a Lily Lane property.
Deputies discovered dogs, a horse, a donkey, goats, chicks, and a bunny on the property. Investigators documented 34 animals, many of whom were critically emaciated and lacked proper access to food and water.
Authorities first accused Johnson with 14 charges of simple cruelty to a cat or dog, as well as 20 counts of depriving animals of food and water.
During a court-ordered seizure operation, authorities located another dog hiding in a nearby wooded area. Authorities reported that the animal was badly malnourished and had no food or water, bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 15 and adding another cruelty charge.
Animal Rescue Corps and Natchez Veterinary Clinic assisted in removing the dogs for veterinary evaluation and treatment.
Sheriff Travis Patten complimented investigators, Animal Crimes Investigator Karren Ewing, responding officers, Animal Rescue Corps, Dr. Hickman, and the Natchez Veterinary Clinic staff for their efforts on the case.
“This conviction sends a clear message that animal cruelty has serious consequences in Adams County,” Patten stated.
Patten also acknowledged the concerned citizen, whose report sparked the probe.
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