Raymond Pearson Jr. has been arrested in the alleged case of animal cruelty, according to Chief Deputy Barry White. Pearson was wanted by Quitman Police Department and CID Investigators for allegedly dragging Judge Tobey Bartee’s family dog behind his vehicle.
After Bartee noticed his pet missing on April 23, community members claimed to witness the dog being dragged down Thompson Avenue and Shirley Drive and described the vehicle and occupants. Bartee filed a complaint with QPD after finding out this information. QPD then issued a warrant for Pearson’s arrest.
“I received a call and was told a guy drove the dog down the street behind his truck,” recalled Judge Bartee. “I went to the house of the guy mentioned and asked him about it. He said he was bringing my dog to a friend’s house over by the junior high and that the dog got loose over by the railroad tracks and that if he sees it again he’ll bring it to me. After that, I started getting word from people who saw everything that happened.”
The community has shown an outpouring of support to the judge and his family and they are very grateful for all of the help and pledges that others in the community have made for the return of their dog.
Pearson was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, which is now a felony in Mississippi. His bond was set at $20,000 by City Judge Jim Potuk.
If anyone has any information on the location of the dog, please contact Judge Tobey Bartee or the Quitman Police Department at 601-776-6461.
