Columbus officials announced Tuesday the arrests of eight Columbus Animal Care & Control workers on 34 criminal charges.
The investigation was called for by the Columbus Council in July following public outcry over a video posted to Facebook showing the euthanasia of a dog named Chai at Columbus Animal Care & Control, the Ledger-Enquirer reported .
Charges against two CACC workers were announced Monday in posts by Councilor Toyia Tucker on Facebook, the Ledger-Enquirer reported . Those charged included Dr. Henry “Hank” Hall and Tennile Tolliver, according Tucker’s posts.
Columbus officials announced Tuesday arrests made as part of the ongoing investigation. Those arrested are the following:
- Hall, 77, former part-time veterinarian for CACC, charged with one count false statements and writing, concealment of facts and one count forgery in first degree.
- Canita Hardnett-Johnson, 51, CACC manager, charged with three counts cruelty to animals, one count euthanasia by unauthorized personnel, one count disposal of deceased animals, one count violation of oath by public officer, one count false statements and writing, concealment of facts and one count theft by deception over $1,500.
- Contreana Pearson, 57, administration coordinator, charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, one count euthanasia by unauthorized personnel, one count disposal of deceased animals and one count violation of oath by public officer.
- Tolliver, 47, CACC corporal, charged with one count false statements and writing, concealment of facts and one count violation of oath by public officer.
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Alexander Pimentel, 27, CACC lieutenant, charged with five counts euthanasia by unauthorized personnel, one count leaving of animals unattended, one count false statements and writings, concealment of facts, one count violation of oath by public officer and one count disposal of deceased animals.
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James Elliot, 37, CACC officer, one count false statements and writing, concealment of facts and one count violation of oath by public officer.
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Alizabeth Morgan Rodriguez, 34, CACC officer/kennel staff, charged with one count forgery (second degree), one count false statements and writing, concealment of facts, one count euthanasia by unauthorized personnel and one count violation of oath by public officer.
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Phillip Copeland, 27, CACC officer, charged with one count failure to scan for microchips.
Hallresigned as part-time veterinarian of CACC, the Ledger-Enquirer reported in August…