- Indiana, USA -
The Columbia City Police Department arrested 42-years-old JULIE ANN HICKS (pictured).
According to the affidavit obtained by Voice For Us, on the afternoon of March 8, 2024, Officer Hershberger responded to a home on 1331 E. Louise Drive to investigate a possible animal neglect case.
Officer Hershberger reported that “the shades on the windows were all pulled shut” and that he could hear dogs barking. He knocked on the door several times but no one answered.
The officer then asked dispatch for a contact number associated with the residence but attempts to contact the property owner were unsuccessful.
While Officer Hershberger was still at the home, a neighbor told him that she believed that HICKS had moved out and was living in Fort Wayne.
The neighbor also told Officer Hershberger that someone came to the home once every one to two weeks and believed she last saw someone at the home on March 3, 2024.
After speaking with a few more neighbors, Officer Hershberger was able to obtain a phone number for HICKS.
The officer then consulted with Prosecutor John Kitch regarding a request for a search warrant which was granted by Judge Matthew Rentschler.
When Officer Hershberger entered the home, he found large amounts of dog feces throughout the residence. Two dogs were found inside the home a female and a male.
Two large bowls believed to be for dog food were “completely dry.”
The dogs are now in the care of the Whitley County Humane Society. I have emailed the organization and requested additional information about the Voiceless Victims. If I get a response, I will post an update.
Due to the condition the home was in, Whitley County’s Health Department deemed the property condemned.
HICKS was arrested on April 4, 2024, and booked into the Whitley County Jail on two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
Court records show that HICKS will be back at Whitley Superior Court on the morning of Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 10:20 before Judge Douglas M. Fahl.
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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the Probable Cause Affidavit provided to Voice For Us.
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.
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