Santa Fe police arrested 39-year-old Brian Anthony Cheek of Santa Fe and his wife, 38-year-old Veronica Lynn Springer, on narcotics charges.
While they were searching the couple's home, detectives found almost 9 grams of crystal methamphetamines, a scale and packaging materials for sales. In addition to the narcotics, a stolen ATV valued at about $14,000 was recovered.
But the search took a stomach-churning turn when investigators made their next discovery -- 20 dead cats, ranging from kittens to full grown. Police said the cats all appeared to have been tortured and killed.
According to investigators, there was evidence of strangulation, blunt force trauma, disemboweling and burning. One of the dead cats was discovered in a box in the bed of Cheek's truck.
Remains of several of the cats were picked up by Galveston County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty investigators and will be examined by necropsy.
Cheek, who was already on felony probation, is charged with manufacture/delivery of controlled substances -- a first-degree felony. He was being held today on a $300,000bond. Additional felony charges related to animal cruelty and theft are expected upon completion of the investigation.
Springer is charged with possession of controlled substances and was being held on $20,000 bond.
Santa Fe police were assisted by the GCSO Special Crimes Unit, GCSO Auto Crimes Task Force, Galveston County I.D. and the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
