- Florida, USA -
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced the arrest of 20-years-old BECKHAM MCLEOD (pictured).
During a press conference, Sheriff Marceno said that on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, deputies responded to the Coastal Village Apartments off Three Oaks Parkway to investigate an animal abuse complaint.
The complainant told deputies they saw a male, later identified as MCLEOD, “violently beating his dog”. While on the phone with dispatchers, the witness began recording BECKHAM.
Part of the video presented at the press conference, showed MCLEOD kicking the dog, named King, and then dragging the furbaby.
Sheriff Marceno said that MCLEOD also stomped on King and kicked him on his face. According to the sheriff, MCLEOD continued to “forcibly pull King with a leash before kicking him in the chest again.”
Deputies and detectives immediately “flooded the area” and located MCLEOD at his residence. Sheriff Marceno said that MCLEOD asked: “What? I can't reprimand my dog?”
Animal Services removed King and took him to get medical care. King was evaluated by a veterinarian who reported that the Voiceless Victim has bruising and swelling around the neck where he was kicked. King “suffered unnecessary pain and fear”, said Sheriff Marceno but he will make a full recovery! MCLEOD surrendered King who will remain in the care of Animal Services until he finds a loving home.
As Sheriff Marceno politely put it, “this pile of trash” was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and if convicted, he will be placed on the Animal Abuse Registry.
To this regard, let me remind you that Voice For Us also maintains an Animal Abuser Registry.
At time of writing, records show that MCLEOD is being held into the Lee County Jail.
He is scheduled to appear at Lee County Circuit Court on the morning of Monday, May 13, 2024, at 8:30.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press conference held by Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Link included.
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.
MCLEOD's mugshot shared from the Lee County Jail.