'Despicable and disturbing': Gila Bend man accused of felony animal abuse
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - A man who the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says has been evading arrest was taken into custody and is accused of several felony animal abuse charges.
The sheriff's office detailed the case in an April 9 news conference, saying John Jackson, 38, of Gila Bend, was arrested following a tip from a neighbor.
What we know:
He had reportedly been on the run from authorities since April 5. He was arrested on April 9 in Avondale near 99th Avenue and McDowell Road.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jeff Gentry called it "one of the most disturbing things we've come across."
John Jackson
Sgt. Enriquez credits a neighbor, near 299th Avenue in Gila Bend, for sounding the alarm on the abuse that he described as "despicable and disturbing."
The dogs reportedly didn't have any food, water or shelter.
"Food, shelter, water, that's what needs to be provided," Sgt. Enriquez said, citing Arizona animal abuse laws.
He says Jackson was using unspecified social media accounts to sell dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Cane Corsos. He says no information points to Jackson selling the animals for dog-fighting purposes.
Jackson was allegedly selling the dogs to people in Arizona, and possibly out of state.
"It's my understanding he's been doing this for a while now," Sgt. Enriquez said.
A neighbor told investigators that they hadn't seen anyone at the home for at least two weeks.
As for the conditions of the dogs who survived, Sgt. Enriquez says they have several health issues, including parvo, worms, eye infections and more.
They're getting round-the-clock care by a veterinarian team with MCSO.
"We're hopeful that they all pull through," Sgt. Enriquez says.
MCSO details more on the conditions of the dogs
"Deputies discovered that the homeowner was absent, with indications that they had been away for weeks. The dogs were found confined to outdoor kennels without access to food, clean water, proper shelter, and covered in feces. Detectives immediately sought a search warrant to enter the property and remove the animals to ensure their safety.
Inside the residence, Cane Corso puppies were discovered, along with what appeared to be the deceased mother dog. Additionally, multiple dogs were found in the yard some of which were confined in the side yard. Of the confined dogs, seven were in terrible condition, having resorted to feeding on the remains of two deceased dogs," MCSO said in a news release on April 9.
Dig deeper:
MCSO says this isn't the first time Jackson has been accused of animal abuse.
"We do have information that he was charged with animal cruelty in another county here in the state," Sgt. Enriquez says. He didn't specify which county.
Right now, Jackson is facing felony animal abuse charges, and MCSO expects him to face more charges.
"Additional charges are pending ongoing necropsy, veterinary and medical testing," MCSO said.
The sheriff's office says it plans to "make it a very prosecutable case" and will work with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
What's next:
"Three deceased animals were transported to a veterinarian for a necropsy to determine the cause of death," MCSO said.
The dogs are being held by MCSO's Animal Safe Haven as evidence while they get the care they need.
"Just because dogs don't speak doesn't make them any less of an issue for us. OK? This is a very serious issue, and we continue to investigate these crimes no matter what," Sgt. Enriquez said.
Jackson is in jail on a $50,000 bond.
MCSO urges the public to report suspicious activity
"This can't happen without the public's help," Sgt. Enriquez said, emphasizing the importance of the phrase "see something, say something."
If you have any information about this case, or any other reports you'd like to make to MCSO, call 602-876-8477. You can also send a tip using the online portal by clicking here.