The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Dr. Charlotte Pegues, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi, has been indicted by a grand jury on 10 counts of animal cruelty.
Sheriff Joey East stated that Pegues was served the indictment, with her bond set at $75,000, which she has already posted.
The charges stem from an investigation in early August when her husband, Terry Pegues, was also arrested on 10 counts of animal cruelty. Authorities discovered 10 dead animals and rescued 20 others from a home on County Road 418, just outside of Oxford.
Lafayette County Deputies Rescue 20 Dogs in Animal Cruelty Investigation
In response, an attorney representing Dr. Pegues issued a statement defending her character, stating:
“Dr. Charlotte Pegues has dedicated her life to service to her community and the University of Mississippi. She has served with integrity and character, which are now unfairly called into question by a rushed indictment. Dr. Pegues is not guilty, and we will aggressively defend against these charges. In order not to be a distraction to the University she loves and that has loved her, Dr. Pegues will be taking a period of personal leave. She asks for privacy as she works to preserve her good name.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
