HAMPTON, Va. — The bench trial for a former Hampton Sheriff's Office lieutenant and her husband began on Thursday.
Carolyn and Michael Johnson both face multiple charges related to animal cruelty and dogfighting. Investigators said that in July 2023, they found eight pit bulls in the couple's backyard with fleas, sores, and living in dirty conditions. There was also alleged evidence of dog fighting.
Witness testimony began with investigators who responded to the Johnsons' house last summer. Those officers said they did a welfare check at the home after receiving a complaint.
An officer with the Hampton Animal Response Team (HART) took the stand for more than two hours, answering questions from both the prosecution and defense about what was found during the search.
Investigators said they obtained a warrant to search the Johnsons' property after the welfare check the day before. During that search, they said they found four adult pit bulls in kennels with feces, urine, and mud. They testified the animals' water was dirty and there was no food available to them.
In addition to the adult dogs, four puppies were found in similar conditions in a whelping box, according to the HART officer. In the area where investigators say they found the dogs, they added they found a breeding stand.
The officer also testified to searching inside the house where they allegedly found documents related to the dogs, including pedigrees, which outline a dog's lineage. They also said they found a copy of what they called, "Game Dog Magazine."
The defense cross-examined the witness, asking about the dates on some of the documents. The officer read that some were printed in 1997, others were as recent as 2021.
Desiree Darden attended the trial as a spectator and told 13News Now, "I'm on the animal response team, so I'm interested in all things animal-related."
She said as a local veterinarian, the case piqued her interest. She added she's withholding judgment of the Johnsons on the trial's first day.
"I see the defendant is disabled, I imagine it's difficult for him to take care of his pet the way he wants to," Darden said. Testimony revealed Mr. Johnson told officers he'd had a stroke shortly before the investigation. "I'm definitely giving them the benefit of the doubt, absolutely," Darden added.
Both Carolyn and Michael Johnson declined to comment on Thursday, along with their respective defense teams. The prosecution also declined to comment.
Johnson worked at the Hampton Sheriff's Office from 1999-2023. She retired shortly after the charges were filed.