ARRESTED: Columbus Animal Control director, other staff booked into Muscogee County Jail

UPDATE: Columbus city officials hold press conference regarding CACC arrests: Eight city workers arrested in Columbus Animal Care & Control investigation

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)— The Columbus Police Department (CPD) began arresting individuals Monday in connection with the Columbus Animal Care & Control (CACC) investigation. Today, just hours before a joint news conference with the mayor and CPD, the director of CACC was booked into the Muscogee County Jail.

Director of CACC, Canita Johnson, has been arrested and charged with the following according to bookings by the Muscogee County Jail.

• False statements or writings
• Theft by deception
• Cruelty to animals

Johnson was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 12, as well as field supervisor, Alecander Pimentel, who was also arrested Tuesday.

Pimentel was charged with the following, according to bookings by the Muscogee County Jail.

• Violation of oath by public officer
• False statements or writings

Several other staff members were arrested Monday including Contreana Pearson, Dr. Hank Hall, and Tennile Tolliver. They were arrested and charged with the following.

Contreana Pearson served as the interim division manager at the shelter.

• Cruelty to animals
• Cruelty to animals
• Cruelty to animals

Dr. Hank (Henry) Hall served as the part-time veterinarian at CACC. He submitted his resignation and left this position at the end of August.

• False statements or writings
• Forgery, 1st degree

Tennile Toliver was identified as a corporal by Councilwoman Toyia Tucker in a Facebook post Monday. That full interview with Tucker can be found, here .

• False statements or writings
• Violation of oath by public officer

More arrests are expected, and more information as the news conference develops. Stay with WRBL on-air and online as we continue to monitor this investigation.

Previous Coverage

• Columbus Mayor calls news conference regarding Columbus Animal Control investigation (wrbl.com)
• Public outcry over alleged mistreatment at Columbus animal control continues (wrbl.com)
• CPD conducts search warrant at Columbus Animal Care and Control (wrbl.com)
• CPD to investigate Columbus Animal Control following viral euthanasia video
• CPD releases update on Columbus Animal Care and Control investigation, asking those with information to come forward
• Public agenda centers concern over Columbus Animal Care & Control

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