University of Mississippi official charged with animal cruelty

OXFORD, Miss. — A vice chancellor at the University of Mississippi has been indicted on charges of animal cruelty after law enforcement says they found dead and malnourished dogs at a home last month.

Charlotte Pegues is charged in an indictment with multiple counts of animal cruelty, according to Lafayette County court records.

Pegues is Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Leadership and Counselor Education, according to the University of Mississippi website .

“I thought it was a little crazy because I just went to the convocation where she spoke so it was kind of weird to see such a high person at Ole Miss be in trouble for something like that,” said University of Mississippi freshman Morgan Harper.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department said on Aug. 4, they responded to a call of possible animal cruelty on County Road 418.

“Upon arrival at the residence, deputies saw several dogs that appeared very malnourished and discovered several dogs that were deceased still attached to their collars and chains,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

Ten dogs were found dead, while another 20 were rescued.

“We don’t know the context,” said University of Reese Russell said. “We don’t know what actually happened but at face value, 10 dead dogs in her yard? I think that’s terrible. That’s very scary.”

Terry Pegues was charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty in the case on Aug. 7. Records show Charlotte Pegues was charged on Aug. 27.

A spokesman for the University of Mississippi issued a statement on Charlotte Pegues’ charges:

“The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time.”

An attorney for Pegues denied she is guilty of the charges:

“Dr. Charlotte Pegues has dedicated her life to service to her community and the University of Mississippi. She has served with integrity and character, which are now unfairly called into question by a rushed indictment. Dr. Pegues is not guilty, and we will aggressively defend against these charges. In order not to be a distraction to the University she loves and that has loved her, Dr. Pegues will be taking a period of personal leave. She asks for privacy as she works to preserve her good name.”

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