Three Crestview women face multiple charges of animal cruelty following a joint operation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) that rescued dozens of animals from a home.
- Jarah Lee Frazier, 44, Bonnie Sue Hahn, 46, and Eveland Marie Colbert, 20, were arrested on July 12 and each charged with 14 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 14 counts of animal cruelty, according to arrest reports from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges stem from a welfare check conducted on June 13 at a residence on Florida Avenue in Crestview. Investigators reported finding 41 animals on the property, including dogs that were allegedly in poor condition due to lack of food, water, and medical care.
- The property also housed livestock, including a pig, a duck, nine chickens, and three roosters, which reportedly did not have access to potable water, according to the report.
“It was great to be able to work in conjunction with PAWS and their staff to enforce Florida laws,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “Along with our Investigators Michael Kruger and Nate Bowen, they did outstanding work to get the suffering animals to safety.”
All 41 animals were either confiscated or surrendered. Dr. Jim Culotta, a licensed veterinarian in Florida, evaluated the animals. According to the arrest reports, fourteen dogs were found to be “void of muscle and fat, indicating starvation,” and were severely dehydrated. All animals reportedly had fleas and tapeworms, with two dogs having open pressure sores on their hindquarters.
Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, which is assisting in the care of the animals, stated, “The animals from the case were some of the worst we have ever seen. Twenty-one animals arrived at the refuge, many in critical condition, and several remain in ICU today.”
Alaqua Clinic Manager Danielle Lamarre described the condition of one dog named Chance as “the worst I have ever witnessed in my career.”
- She added, “This dog was critically underweight and had bed sores all over him from the protrusion of his hips and spine rubbing against the box that he was living in. It will take 6-8 months under our care before he can be ready for a home.”
According to the arrest reports, all three women lived at the residence and were allegedly responsible for the animals’ care. In post-Miranda interviews, they reportedly claimed to have attempted to surrender animals to shelters on multiple occasions but were turned away.
The investigation began due to a tip. Sheriff Aden encouraged the public to report suspected animal abuse to the OCSO, PAWS, or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
Alaqua Animal Refuge, which depends on donations for its operations, has set up a special fund for the treatment of these animals. Those wishing to contribute can do so through their Special Animal Fund.
