Overview
- Lee County deputies arrested 48‑year‑old David Charette Jr. on a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge and booked him with bond set at $100,000.
- Investigators allege Charette killed two kittens over the past year and injured a two‑month‑old named Luna as punishment for his teenage daughter.
- Officials say the prior deaths included one kitten smothered with a rag soaked in bleach and another burned with a blow dryer, and a property search recovered one set of remains.
- Body‑worn camera video and witness statements — including the daughter’s account that Luna was hit with a nail‑polish bottle and placed in a dryer — are central to the probe.
- Deputies removed other cats from the home, took Luna to a local animal hospital where she is recovering, and the investigation remains active with potential further actions on child welfare and criminal charges.