- Mississippi, USA -
~ Update: September 10, 2024
47-year-old TERRY EUGENE PEGUES and his wife, 54-year-old CHARLOTTE FANT PEGUES (both pictured), were indicted by the Lafayette County grand jury last week on ten counts of animal cruelty.
The wife, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi, turned herself into the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on September 9, 2024. She was later released on a $75,000 bond.
In an email to The Daily Mississippian, University of Mississippi Director of News and Media Relations Jacob Batte wrote: “The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time.”
The Daily Mississippian reports that the wife’s attorney, Graham P. Carner, released a statement via email on behalf of the client.
He wrote: “Dr. Charlotte Pegues had 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 has asks for privacy as she works to preserve her good name.”
~ Original story:
Deputies with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office arrested 47-year-old TERRY EUGENE PEGUES (pictured).
According to the office’s release, on August 4, 2024, deputies responded to a possible animal cruelty case at a residence on County Road 418. Upon arrival, deputies sadly found ten dead dogs who were “still attached to their collars and chains”, stated the release. Deputies additionally found several other dogs who were alive but “appeared very malnourished.”
No one was home when deputies responded so investigators were called in and showed up with a search warrant.
Officials rescued twenty (20) dogs who were taken to a local veterinarian office for evaluation and care.
On August 7, 2024, PEGUES was arrested and charged with ten counts of animal cruelty. He was booked at the Lafayette County Jail and bond was set at $75,000 which he was able to post and was subsequently released.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and encourages whoever has information to call deputies at (662) - 234 - 6421 or LOU Crime Stoppers at (662) - 234 - 8799. Thank you!
The Daily Mississippian reports that PEGUES and his wife, Charlotte Fant Pegues, who serves as vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of Mississippi, are listed on the deed of trust for a property on County Road 418.
PEGUES’ wife was not mentioned in the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office press release nor there have been no reports of an investigation into her.
On August 12, 2024, Jacob Batte, Director of News and Media Relations for the University of Mississippi, told The Daily Mississippian: “University leaders are deeply disturbed and appalled by any instance of animal cruelty. The university is not among the parties involved in the ongoing investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, and the university is not aware of any charges against a university employee in relation to that investigation. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, the university will make no further comment at this time.”
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Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
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Why are some humans such horrible monsters? I read at least three articles a day where dogs, cats, horses, etc are neglected, abused, starved, beaten, burned, etc. Bless all these innocent souls & as they are led across the Rainbow Bridge, I cry for their pain & fear. Bless all sentient souls.