HAMPTON, Va. — A Hampton Sheriff's employee is facing charges of animal cruelty in an investigation into dog fighting.
Carolyn Johnson was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of failure to provide duties of ownership, according to police. A source said she is employed by Hampton Sheriff’s Office.
The charges come after the Hampton Police Division arrested Michael Johnson Sr. Tuesday on eight counts of animal cruelty, eight counts of failure to provide duties of ownership, and four counts of dog fighting.
The investigation began when a complaint was made to the Hampton Animal Response Team (HART) on Tuesday. Police said workers found eight dogs living in poor health and unsafe conditions on Ireland Street.
Court records reveal the HART searched the Hampton home on Ireland Street and found four adult Pitbulls and four Pitbull puppies infested with fleas.
The criminal complaint states the team found feces in the kennels. One dog had no access to shelter, the puppies had no access to water, and the dogs had only dirty water to drink.
In another round of an investigation, animal control crews say they found paperwork and paraphernalia indicating the animals were being conditioned for fights. This led to Michael Johnson facing an additional four counts of dog fighting.
Meanwhile, the Hampton Sheriff's Office spokeswoman stated Lt. Carolyn Johnson, who has been employed there since 1999, was put on paid administrative leave as she faces, "misdemeanor charges."
The Hampton Sheriff's Office would not answer 13news Now when we asked if the misdemeanor charges are connected to the animal cruelty investigation.
HART took the dogs to the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter where they are currently being cared for.
The Johnsons' charges stem from the same investigation, a source told 13News Now.
On Thursday morning, a spokesperson for the Hampton Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Carolyn Johnson, a lieutenant, is on administrative leave but didn't share the reason.