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Leo Bennett Godley Arthur, age 27, of Cherry Run Road in Washington has been charged with (2) two counts of (F) Cruelty to Animals.

On March 24, 2023, Deputies responded to a call for service at a residence on Latham Drive in Washington. The caller reported a neighbor had shot his dogs. Deputies arrived and learned the caller witnessed the assailant shoot one of the dogs at a residence on Cherry Run Road in Washington.

One dog was deceased upon Deputies arrival and the other was taken to Pamlico Animal Hospital in Washington by the owner, but later succumbed to injuries sustained. Deputies conducted interviews and collected physical evidence.

An investigation by responding Deputies led to charges against Leo Bennett Godley Arthur, for (2) two counts of (F) Cruelty to Animals. Arthur was taken into custody and taken before a Beaufort County Magistrate where he was given a $2,000 secured bond. Arthur was then transported to Beaufort County Detention Center pending a March 27, 2023, court date.

This case is an example of one of the many cases Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office charges that fall under Sheriff Hammonds, A.C.E. of Hearts initiative. The A.C.E. of Hearts initiative targets cases involving Animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; Child abuse, exploitation, and endangerment; Elder abuse and neglect.