On April 19, 2020, Chico McLoon, 39, of Hazelhurst, was booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of Criminal Trespass, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Cruelty to Animals, and three counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
According to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran, Chico McLoon’s wife, Tonya McLoon, 36, was arrested in November 2019 on charges of Animal Cruelty and two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
Sheriff Cochran explained that these arrests are in connection with an investigation that began in early November 2019. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies, Investigators, and Sandersville/Washington County Animal Control executed a search warrant on a Harrison-Pringle Road address, following a complaint of animal cruelty and neglect.
The initial responding deputies discovered a dead dog that appeared to have been shot and tied to a post. Deputies and Investigators also discovered more dead animals along with malnourished dogs and neglected animals inside the residence. Deputies confiscated a firearm from the residence that is believed to have been used during this incident.
“This is a fine example of good teamwork and community involvement with bringing this case to a close,” said Sheriff Cochran.
Chico McLoon Tonya McLoon