On Sept. 13, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of animal cruelty from Beaufort County Animal Control. The report indicated a dog was secured at a residence on Trails End North in Washington with a chain around its neck long enough for the dog’s skin to grow over the chain. The chain had to be surgically removed by a veterinarian. The sheriff’s office began an investigation and conducted interviews.

On Friday, investigator Wesley Waters applied for and obtained a warrant charging Dameon Londale Williams, 32, of Trails End North in Washington with one count of felony cruelty to animals. Williams turned himself in at the magistrate’s office Friday and was held on a $2,500 secured bond set by Magistrate David Curtis.