TIMOTHY ALAN HEATON, former South Dakota State University Police Chief, arrested – Five malnourished German Shepherds removed from a Brookings County home

- South Dakota, USA -

The Brookings Police Department arrested 59-year-old TIMOTHY ALAN HEATON (pictured), of Brookings.

An investigation into HEATON was launched after officers received multiple reports about possible abandoned dogs at a house on 1008 3^rd Street.

Officers who visited the house multiple times noted the same details as the ones reported by witnesses.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at the aforementioned house on December 3, 2025.

Police found five German Shepherds who were malnourished and displayed signs of abuse and neglect. Officers also found frozen water pails and the dogs did not have access to the outside.

All of the furvictims were removed and taken to a veterinarian. According to the probable cause statement from the arresting officer, the dogs were in malnourished condition, had sores on their feet, and feces matted in their hair. Moreover, they were suffering from gingivitis, broken and fractured teeth, an abscess in one ear and other concerning medical issues.

According to court documents, the house was filled with urine, cobwebs, and feces that were a foot deep in some parts of the house. The house did not have any heat and officers reported structural damage to the house from a previous fire.

HEATON, former South Dakota State University Police Chief, was taken into custody on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was booked into the Brookings County Detention Facility on five felony counts of cruelty to animals.

On Friday, a judge found probable cause for the charges. HEATON was released on personal recognizance and conditions that he makes all court appearances and keep no animals in his possession.

The following is a statement issued by South Dakota State University:

“South Dakota State University has been made aware of the arrest of University Police Department Chief Tim Heaton earlier today. The university is cooperating with the appropriate authorities. 

SDSU is working through the process to name an interim University Police Department chief.

Given this is an active legal and personnel matter, the university will not comment further at this time.

SDSU’s priority remains committed to ensuring safety, integrity, accountability and the continued operation of our university community.”

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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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