JEWELS LEFAY LYNCH and MIGUEL RICARDO LOPEZ arrested after dead and severely neglected animals were found at a property in Gallatin County

- Montana, USA -

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office reported that 33-year-old JEWELS LEFAY LYNCH and 36-year-old MIGUEL RICARDO LOPEZ were arrested as a result of an animal cruelty investigation.

On April 23, 2026, the sheriff’s office received a report about a malnourished cow who had broken through a neighbor’s fence line in the Clarkston area.

Deputy Karl Freml saw pictures of the cow in question. The cow appeared to be severely underweight with her ribs, hip and back bones showing through her hide.

Deputy Freml worked with Animal Control,  and AC Captain Arlyn Greydanus went to talk to the cow’s guardian.

The cow’s guardian told Captain Greydanus that the cow last ate two days before,  however according to Captain Greydanus there was no grass on the property for natural grazing.

A few days later, Deputy Freml went to the suspected property and confirmed Captain Greydanus’ observations; there was no grass on the property and the livestock had no access to water. According to Deputy Freml, horses were picking in dirt and weeds and one of them had “hipbones sticking out from apparent lack of muscle.”

Deputy Freml obtained a search warrant for the residence and associated outbuildings which was executed on April 29, 2026. Captain Greydanus and a veterinarian were also present.

Deputy Freml described the living conditions on the property as “abysmal”, reporting that the poor animals were exposed to “wire, trash, including batteries, tools, and random construction supplies” scattered throughout the property. Deputy Freml said the property was “grazed down to the dirt.”

During the search, the three officials discovered “numerous animals in severe states of neglect”, said the sheriff’s office in a press release.

One cat, eleven dogs, two donkeys, eight horses, and eight guinea hens were severely emaciated. According to the veterinarian who conducted an initial on‑site medical assessment, the animals were suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and severely neglected hooves indicating prolonged lack of proper care.

Deputy Freml reported that there were four round bales of straw, which are not suitable for consumption by livestock, as it is not hay, and therefore has no nutritional value.

Sadly, the three officials also located the carcasses of one cow, one dog, and one horse.

Animal Control units from the Bozeman and Belgrade Police Departments were called in and assisted with the removal of the animals who were placed in a safe location for veterinary care and appropriate nutrition.

JEWELS LEFAY LYNCH and MIGUEL RICARDO LOPEZ were booked into the Gallatin County Detention Center and charged with cruelty to animals.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Gallatin 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.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!