Natchez man sentenced to three years in jail in animal cruelty case

Jaramy Zevon Johnson, 38, chose to take the case to trial in Adams County Justice Court rather than resolve it through a plea agreement, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

After hearing the evidence, Judge Danny Barber found Johnson guilty on six counts of simple cruelty to a cat or dog.

Barber sentenced Johnson to six months in the Adams County Jail on each count, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively for a total of 36 months. Johnson was also fined $1,000 on each count, totaling $6,000.

The remaining charges were remanded to file in Justice Court, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case began July 15 after a concerned citizen called 911 to report suspected animal abuse and neglect at a residence on Lily Lane.

Deputies found dogs, a horse, a donkey, goats, chickens and a rabbit at the property. Investigators documented 34 animals and said many appeared severely malnourished and without adequate access to food or water.

Authorities initially charged Johnson with 14 counts of simple cruelty to a cat or dog and 20 counts of confining animals without food or water.

During a court-authorized seizure operation, investigators discovered an additional dog hidden in a nearby wooded area. Authorities said the animal was severely malnourished and had no food or water, bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 15 and adding another cruelty charge.

The dogs were removed for veterinary evaluation and treatment with assistance from Animal Rescue Corps and Natchez Veterinary Clinic.

Sheriff Travis Patten praised investigators, Animal Crimes Investigator Karren Ewing, responding deputies, Animal Rescue Corps, Dr. Hickman and the staff of Natchez Veterinary Clinic for their work on the case.

“This conviction sends a clear message that animal cruelty has serious consequences in Adams County,” Patten said.

Patten also credited the concerned citizen whose report launched the investigation.