top of page

ALL POSTS

Search

MELISSA M. LEBLANC and DOUG STEPHEN RUSSELL arrested for machete attack on a dog and animal abuse

- Louisiana, USA -


An investigation into animal cruelty allegations at a residence on 214 Murray Hill Drive in Destrehan, concluded with the rescue of several injured and malnourished dogs and the arrest of 48-year-old MELISSA M. LEBLANC and 49-year-old DOUG STEPHEN RUSSELL (pictured).


The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said in a press release that when deputies and Animal Control Officers responded to the residence, they spoke with LEBLAND and RUSSEL and learned that RUSSELL had used a machete to discipline a dog who was attacking another dog. The incident took place the night before so the injured dog was left with his/her injuries untreated until he/she was finally rescued by officials.


Deputies found a machete in the front yard of the residence believed to be the one used on the dog.


Once officials entered the residence, they found the conditions inside to be “deplorable” and found “multiple emaciated and injured dogs throughout the house.”


Animal Control Officers removed the dogs from the residence and took them to the St. Charles Parish animal shelter to be evaluated and treated.


LEBLANC and RUSSELL were placed under arrest and booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.


LEBLANC is facing seven counts of simple animal cruelty and seven counts of rabies vaccinations (required).


RUSSELL was charged with seven counts of simple animal cruelty, seven counts of rabies vaccinations (required), and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty.


At the time of writing, online records show that the pair are being held in the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.


# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the St. Charles Parish 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.


RUSSELL’s mugshot shared from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office




 
 
 

JONATHAN CLARENCE ROBERTS arrested after dead animals found on a Screven County property

- Georgia, USA -


The Screven County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after receiving complaints about livestock not being properly taken care of at a property in the 2400 block of Jenk Hill Road in Sylvania.


After executing a search warrant, deputies discovered two dead cows as well as other dead animals “within sight of a public roadway”, stated a release by the sheriff’s office.


Deputies also found two living goats and eleven cows who were malnourished.


Animal Control, a veterinarian, and a Department of Agriculture Inspector assisted with the investigation and it was determined that 73-year-old JONATHAN CLARENCE ROBERTS (pictured), “failed to provide adequate food or water to the animals.”


According to the sheriff’s office, the neglect caused the death of the two cows. The press release further stated that “additional cow carcasses appeared to be left to rot where they died.”


The live animals were removed from the property and taken to an unspecified location to be cared for.


ROBERTS was charged with eleven counts of animal neglect, two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, and one count of abandonment of a dead animal.


# # #


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


ROBERTS’ mugshot shared from the Screven County Sheriff’s Office






 
 
 

ROBERT MICHAEL PHILLIPS JR. sentenced to 51 days in jail after 40 dogs were rescued from his home

- Ohio, USA -


On January 9, 2025, 43-year-old ROBERT MICHAEL PHILLIPS JR. (pictured), was sentenced after forty dogs were removed from his home on 7474 Kilbourne Road in Kingston Township.


It all started in April 2024 following a video that surfaced on social media showing the living conditions of the dogs. Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett obtained a warrant from Delaware Municipal Court Judge Kyle Rohrer.


On April 7, 2024, the staff of the Delaware County Dog Shelter went to the home in question and removed forty dogs, most of them were Pitbulls or Pitbull mixes.


The poor souls were found tied with heavy chains living in mud and standing water with only blue barrels to shield them from the elements. Many of them were found to be underweight.


Mr. Garrett said it took about three hours to remove all the dogs and mentioned the assistance of the Humane Society of Delaware County, the Marion County Dog Warden’s Office, the Morrow County Humane Agent, and the nonprofit Rico Pet Recovery.


When officials arrived at the home, PHILLIPS was not present so no charges were immediately issued.


According to a press release by Jane Hawes, Director of Communications for Delaware County, Mr. Garrett stated: “Mr. Phillips has been known to us for several years. Previous visits had found only six dogs, all in good health. Complaints continued to come in, but, in recent years, no one would complete a witness statement that would enable the Dog Shelter staff to act.”


On the night of April 5, 2024, the staff of the Delaware County Dog Shelter received a statement “alleging many more dogs on the property than were previously known and that they had been observed in abusive conditions”, stated the release.

With the statement and the warrant, the team was able to enter PHILLIPS’ home.


PHILLIPS was later charged in Delaware County Municipal Court with thirty misdemeanor counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals.


On April 17, 2024, PHILLIPS failed to appear in court and a judge assigned custody of the dogs to the Delaware County Dog Shelter.


On January 9, 2025, PHILLIPS was sentenced to only fifty-one days in jail and nearly $3,000 in fines.


# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.


PHILLIPS’ mugshot shared from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office





 
 
 

Subscribe Form

© 2026 Voice For Us

Privacy Policy

FAQ

bottom of page