Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery seemed to try to avoid it at all costs, but finally the Grand Jurors of Maricopa County have handed down an indictment charging Jesse Todd Hughes, Malesia Maurine Hughes, Austin Lane Flake and Logan Flake with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of cruelty in connection to the death or injury to 25 animals Green Acre Dog Boarding in Gilbert, AZ.
Jesse and Malesia Hughes also face one felony count each of fraudulent schemes and artifices.
On June 21, 2014, more than 20 dead and injured dogs were discovered at Green Acre Dog Boarding near Greenfield and Queen Creek Roads in Gilbert. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and submitted their findings to the County Attorney’s Office on August 27, 2014.
The indictment charges Jesse and Maleisa Hughes with 22 felony counts and 7 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and one felony count of fraudulent schemes and artifices. Austin and Logan Flake are each charged with 21 felony counts and 7 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. The four defendants have been summoned to appear to answer the charges at a hearing on October 23, 2014. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.