HAMPTON, Va. — A Hampton Sheriff's Office lieutenant and her husband are facing animal cruelty charges.
Hampton police said they were called to the home of Michael and Carolyn Johnson on Ireland Street for a wellness check earlier this week.
After getting the search warrant, they found eight dogs that were in poor health and unsafe conditions, according to police.
Court records state authorities found four adult pit bulls and four pit bull puppies “in poor conditions” on the property. Some of the listed conditions include all or some of the pit bulls lacking access to water and shelter and suffering from fleas.
Michael Johnson, 59, was charged with animal cruelty and dogfighting charges. Carolyn Johnson, who the Hampton Sheriff's Office confirms is an employee, faces animal cruelty charges and eight counts of failure to provide duties of ownership.
Michael Johnson was released on bail, court records show. His next court date is scheduled for September. A court date was not immediately available for Carolyn Johnson.
The pit bulls were taken from the Johnson residence and are now at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, police say.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
