- North Carolina, USA -
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-years-old BRANDI BREANN LAUGHLIN and 31-years-old JUSTIN ROBERT BUCKNER (both pictured), of Forest City.
On March 22, 2024, deputies with the Rutherford County Road Patrol division responded to a home in the area of Newton Cole Road and Jacobs Lane to investigate a possible trespassing call.
While in the area, deputies saw multiple dogs outside a residence where the previous tenant was evicted in late February.
According to the media release by the sheriff’s office, the dogs appeared to be malnourished and were not being properly taken care of.
One of the dogs was “in a make-shift kennel that had no door and was wired shut.” The dog had feces all over the kennel.
Other dogs could be heard barking inside the home and upon checking, deputies found a dog who was in a crate that had been zip-tied shut and had a blanket over it.
Rutherford County Animal Control was called in and took a total of six dogs to the Rutherford County Animal Shelter.
Deputies were able to identify LAUGHLIN and BUCKNER as the dogs’ guardians and secured warrants on them.
On March 23, 2024, deputies arrested BUCKNER at a residence on Jacobs Lane. He was also found in possession of methamphetamine.
The following day, at the same residence deputies found LAUGHLIN “hiding underneath a blanket” and placed her under arrest.
LAUGHLIN was charged with six counts of cruelty to animals and was given a $4,500 secured bond.
BUCKNER was also charged with six counts of animal cruelty and in addition, he was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possess drug paraphernalia not for marijuana. He was held without bond in reference to a pre-trial release.
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Voice For Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the official press release by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
LAUGHLIN and BUCKNER’s mugshots shared from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office