RODNEY TRAVIS JR arrested on accusations of abusing cats and using social media to fraudulently raise money for veterinary bills

- Virginia, USA -

Henrico Police arrested 27-year-old RODNEY TRAVIS JR (pictured), of Chesterfield.

On the evening of February 12, 2026, the Attorney General’s Office and Chesterfield County Animal Control Officers alerted police to a potential scammer posting cats in distress and attempting to solicit money from the public online.

Henrico Police immediately launched an investigation and through community assistance and multi-agency cooperation detectives were able to locate the places where this content was being produced.

TRAVIS was identified as the suspect in the case and on February 13, 2026, he was placed under arrest at his residence in Chesterfield County. TRAVIS was transported to Henrico County Jail West and booked on one count of animal cruelty. Police announced in their press release that additional charges were forthcoming.

In fact, Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said in press release provided to Voice For Us that on February 17, 2026, TRAVIS appeared in Henrico County General District Court and was arraigned for one felony count of computer fraud to obtain money by false pretenses, one felony count of obtaining money by false pretenses, and two felony counts of animal cruelty.

Court records show that TRAVIS is scheduled to appear back in court on March 26, 2026, at 9:31 a.m. for a preliminary hearing. At the time of writing, online arrest records show that TRAVIS is being held without bond.

According to Henrico Police, “Several cats have been seized and are receiving proper veterinarian care.”

Among the cats, there is a male feline whom the criminal complaint referred to as Hayden. The veterinarian who examined Hayden determined that he had a fractured skull, multiple broken ribs, and a fractured spine in the process of healing.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Henrico Police and the press release by Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor 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.

Mugshot shared from the Henrico County Sheriff's Office

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