Pocomoke, MD - On October 2, 2023, Worcester County Animal Control responded to the 500 block of Bonneville Avenue in Pocomoke City, Maryland, to an animal complaint. 

During the investigation, Animal Control Officers located two dogs on the front porch of the residence in a crate, one of which was deceased and observed evidence of other dogs being neglected. 

Residents of this location, later identified as Kierra Sturgis and Lemond Williams, refused to meet with Animal Control Officers on the scene. 

With the assistance of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations, a search and seizure warrant was authored and was eventually signed off on by a Worcester County Judge.

Upon execution of the search and seizure warrant, two more dogs were located inside the residence and observed to be extremely emaciated and in poor condition, along with no food or water. 

Animal Control seized two additional dogs.  All of these dogs are currently in the custody of Worcester County Animal Control and are being treated by a local veterinarian. 

Kierra Sturgis and Lemond Williams were both charged with 36 counts of animal cruelty and animal neglect-related charges.  Four of the charges are felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty. 

Both Sturgis and Williams were arrested on November 17, 2023, and held without bond.   On today's date, November 20, 2023, they were present in District Court for a bond review in front of the Honorable Gerald V. Purnell. Judge Purnell continued the detention, ordering both to be held without bond awaiting trial.  Their next court date is preliminarily scheduled for December 29, 2023, in Worcester County, Maryland.