- Illinois, USA -
On the morning of Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Macon County Animal Control responded to Sawyer Road south of Illiniwick in Decatur after receiving a call about a deceased dog.
Officers found a puppy inside a cage in the ditch near the road. The Macon County Sheriff's Office said the dog appeared to be emaciated.
At the time, the sheriff’s office said that the dog’s guardian had not been identified. An investigation was launched, the sheriff’s office then reached out to the community and PETA offered $5,000 for information.
On March 8, 2023, in connection with this case, deputies arrested 33-years-old TWYLA EARLENE KITSOS (pictured) “for failure of owner’s duties.”
In a press release, Sgt. Ron Atkins, Animal Control Administrator for the Sheriff’s Office said: “Assistance from the public was crucial and made the investigation into this incident a success.”
I have asked Sgt. Atkins for additional information about the Voiceless Victim and in an email, he said: “The dog was Presa Canario according to Kitsos but I've been unable to confirm that. The dog was a male, estimated age at death was 3 to 5 months.”
As the investigation into the case continued, deputies made a second arrest.
Through a press release of May 18, 2023, Sgt. Atkins announced that on April 26, 2023, testimony was provided to a Macon County Grand Jury in regards to this case. The Grand Jury returned an indictment against 58-years-old DEWEY EUGENE FORD (also pictured) for Obstructing Justice, a Class 4 Felony. FORD was arrested the following day and booked into the Macon County Jail. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond, and on April 28, 2023, at his initial court appearance he pleaded not guilty.
Court records show FORD is set to appear back in court on May 26, 2023.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
KITSOS and FORD’s mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Macon County Sheriff's Office.
Furbaby's pictures shared from WCCU – January 25, 2023
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