Lake Charles –
In late February Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives were contacted by Calcasieu Parish Animal Services (CPAS) in reference to an animal cruelty investigation.
CPAS advised detectives in November 2017 that they had responded to a residence at 262 Royer Loop, Sulphur, in reference to a complaint they received of dogs running loose and tearing up the neighborhood. They told detectives they made contact with the homeowner, Kimberly L. Evans, 40, 262 Royer Loop, Sulphur, and discovered at least 20 dogs on the property living in unsanitary conditions, without proper water or shelter. CPAS stated they wrote Evans several cruelty notices over the next several months, most of which Evans failed to address.
On March 1 CPSO detectives, along with CPAS and a veterinarian, arrived at the home and observed animals confined to crates, some of which contained as many as six dogs to one crate. Detectives also observed several dog carcasses outside the home as well as a possible goat carcass. When detectives attempted to make contact with the homeowner, no one answered so a search warrant was prepared on the home. Upon entering the home, detectives observed layers of fecal matter and urine covering the floors and furniture. Once inside they found several living dogs, birds, and cats inside the home. They also located a cat carcass in a laundry basket by the washer & dryer that was being consumed by maggots and two deceased birds, still inside the cage with the living birds. CPSO detectives and CPAS seized 35 living animals from the home, as well as, 6 deceased animals. Before leaving the home detectives were advised that a Hispanic male lives at the residence, but flees into the woods every time law enforcement arrives on the property.
On March 5 Evans, as well as, the man living at the home, arrived at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for questioning. When detectives spoke with Evans she stated she had collected the dogs from people on Facebook who were giving them away. When detectives informed her she had not addressed the living conditions of the animals after CPAS issued notices, she advised them she had misplaced the notices. When asked about the man living at the home she advised his name was “Yoni” and he was her fiancé that had been living with her for approximately 3 years.
When detectives spoke with the man he initially gave detectives a false name. CPSO detectives contacted U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to assist with the man, due to a language barrier. Once they arrived they were able to determine the man was actually Alfredo Sanchez, 38, 262 Royer Loop, Sulphur, who is a convicted felon in the U.S. illegally and has been deported previously on two occasions. Sanchez advised he and his attorney used a fraudulent name to apply for a visa.
Evans and Sanchez were both arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 35 counts of simple cruelty to animals; and 6 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Judge Sharon Wilson set both their bonds at $7,500.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol placed a Federal detainer on Sanchez and will be further investigating his claims in reference to obtaining a visa.
CPSO Detective Lt. James Leubner is the lead investigator on this case.