Overview
- Lee County deputies arrested 48‑year‑old David Charette Jr. on a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge and set bond at $100,000.
- Officers were called after reports that a man was trying to drown and strike a 2‑month‑old kitten named Luna, who was taken to a local animal hospital and is recovering.
- Investigators say Charette killed two kittens in the past year and buried them in the backyard, recovering one set of remains during a search of the property.
- Authorities describe violent methods alleged in separate incidents, including smothering a 1‑month‑old with a bleach‑soaked rag and burning a 3‑month‑old with a blow dryer, and say witnesses and the daughter reported the acts were used to punish the teen.
- The Lee County Sheriff’s Office cited body‑cam footage and multiple witness statements, removed several adult cats from the home, and said the investigation and evidence processing are ongoing while criminal proceedings remain pending.