According to investigators, a Florida man wanted on multiple counts of animal abuse was arrested in Colorado last week.
On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s (CCSO) Wanted of the Week, 48-year-old Jason Munn of Floral City, was arrested by authorities with the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, thanks to the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force.
“Munn’s arrest could not have been made possible if it was not for the collaborative efforts of all the incredible professionals and advocates involved,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “I’d like to thank the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, Citrus County Animal Shelter Chief Veterinarian Dr. Meaghan Mielo and Director Colleen Yarbrough, the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Animal Rescue League, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office for their steadfast dedication and assistance in this horrendous case.”
The initial investigation into Munn’s criminal acts began on April 1, 2022, after CCSO officials received information that Munn, the property/business owner, was not properly caring for a large number of dogs that he was breeding and selling.
After initial contact with Munn reference the allegations of violating county ordinances, it was discovered that Munn was not in compliance with the size and capacity of the dogs’ kennels.
Rather than attempt to correct the violations witnessed by Animal Control Officers, Munn began trying to relocate some of the animals in his possession.
He surrendered 14 dogs to the Citrus County Animal Shelter; three of which were in such deplorable conditions from long periods of neglect that Munn was subsequently arrested on April 18th, for three counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Despite Munn’s initial arrest, officials continued to investigate. It was later discovered that Munn relocated 65 dogs to Iowa. The Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Animal Rescue League seized all of the animals due to their conditions.
One of the dogs, now in the care of the Iowa Animal Rescue League, had a leg that was improperly amputated. Further investigation led CCSO’s Community Crimes Detectives and Animal Control Officers to believe that Munn performed this amputation himself in Citrus County, without the assistance of a veterinarian or proper follow-up care.
On April 20, 2022, CCSO’s Community Crimes Detectives and Animal Control Officers served a search warrant for both of Munn’s properties at 6991 E. Shadywoods Ct. and 7033 E. Shadywoods Ct. in Floral City, about this animal abuse case.
In total, 56 dogs were found on the property living in deplorable conditions.
Some were confined in small kennels with multiple other dogs and had no access to food or water. The remains of two dogs were also located under a tarp on the property, and one puppy was found deceased in its own feces and urine, with no access to water.
Twenty-eight reptiles (snakes, skinks, geckos, and monitor lizards) were also found to be kept in terrible conditions.
Community Crimes Detectives and Animal Control Officers worked alongside our partners with the Citrus County Animal Shelter and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to seize the animals found on the scene and to further investigate the deaths of the deceased dogs.
Both detectives and Animal Control Officers attempted to make contact with Munn, who had bonded out from his previous arrest, and were unsuccessful.
Coupled with the existing evidence and preliminary examinations by the shelter veterinarian, an arrest warrant was obtained for Munn. Munn aired as CCSO’s Wanted of the Week originally on April 27th for his warrant for two counts of animal cruelty.
With the assistance of the USMS and the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office, Munn was arrested in Colorado. Munn will be extradited back to Citrus County for his crimes.
Additional charges are pending for Munn as our office continues its investigation.
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