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Fugitive Facing All-New Charges In Hamilton Coun

71 views · Published 31 January 2015 · 3:12 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2015 · News & Politics

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December 19th, animal investigators raided Geoffrey's Peterson's property in Dunlap, resulting in the seizure of more than 50 animals.

Authorities said those animals were found starving and living in their own filth. Some of them were dead, and their bodies were hidden in freezers on the property.

Peterson was arrested and later charged with Animal Cruelty in Sequatchie County.

Days later, more emaciated dogs were found. This time, in Hixson. 

"We have several groups of the Peterson animals," says McKamey Animal Center's Executive Director, Jamie McAloon. "Ones that came from Sequatchie County and three different locations that we also impounded animals from here in Hamilton County."

McAloon says the animals rescued from Sequatchie County are available for adoption now.

Meanwhile, the fifteen animals found in Hamilton County have to go through extensive rehabilitation before they're made available for adoption. 

For those pets' suffering, McKamey is requesting additional animal cruelty charges to be brought against Geoffrey and his 88-year-old mother, Sheila.

"These animals, in our opinion, were kept in these conditions with intent. They knew what these animals were enduring and they continued in that same behavior. Despite the fact that the animals were in emaciated conditions," says McAloon. 

Sheila was allegedly keeping some of the animals they recovered in Hamilton County. At this time, her only charge is elderly abuse against her husband. 

Soon, she and her son will face animal cruelty in Hamilton County for the deplorable conditions in which their animals lived, and for some, died. 

"The responsibility for how they got in this condition lies with the Peterson's," says McAloon.

McKamey says they need volunteers to foster the animals found in Hamilton County during their rehabilitation. 

As of Friday afternoon, Geoffrey Peterson is still a fugitive believed to be armed. Police urge the community to stay away from him, as he may be armed.

By: Kelsey Bagwell

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