MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The former Memphis Animal Shelter worker at the center of the well-publicized case of Kapone the missing pit bull has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges, including animal cruelty.
Demetria Hogan, has been indicted on four counts of official misconduct, one count of forgery, one count of theft of property and one count of cruelty to animals.
Investigators with the Memphis Police Department determined that between June 23 and July 1, 2011, while employed as an Animal Control Officer for Memphis Animal Services Hogan failed to perform her duties, abused her authority and made false entries on official records when she stole a dog from the shelter.
The investigation revealed that Hogan falsified records about a call to pick up two loose dogs from a Cordova neighborhood on June 24. She logged two dogs delivered to the shelter, 'Jersey' and 'Kapone,' but when the owners came to pick up their pets only Jersey was there. Surveillance video did not match the records in Hogan's log.
After a massive billboard and social media campaign by the dog's owners and animal advocates, Kapone was located at a home in Senatobia, Mississippi on December 20.
A second investigation indicated that on July 12, Hogan again abused her authority and neglected to perform required duties which ended with the death of a dog entrusted to her care. According to investigators, Hogan answered a call regarding a stray loose dog that later died. An autopsy of the animal revealed it had succumbed to the heat while being transported by Hogan. Hogan failed to ensure the health and safety of the animal while in her custody.
If convicted, Hogan faces between one to six years in jail for each count.
