ESCATAWPA, MS – A local man is behind bars without bond, facing severe charges after his cousin reported witnessing him in a disturbing act with a pregnant pit bull, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter announced.
Timothy Sanders, 31, was arrested Wednesday following a report from his cousin, who allegedly caught him holding down the dog and engaging in sexual intercourse. After receiving the report, deputies responded to the scene and subsequently took Sanders into custody on charges of animal cruelty and engaging in unnatural intercourse.
Sanders faces a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty under Mississippi Code § 97-41-1, which prohibits causing unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering to animals. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, he is charged with a felony under Mississippi Code § 97-29-59 for engaging in unnatural intercourse, a serious offense in Mississippi punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction.
Jackson County Court Judge Mark Watts denied bond for Sanders during his initial court appearance, citing the gravity of the charges. Sanders remains in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center as he awaits further court proceedings.
