Victory! Man Caught Raping Cousin’s Pregnant Dog Gets the Slammer
In an unexpected and brilliantly handled case, the man who was caught raping his cousin’s dog was dealt justice by a shrewd assistant district attorney in Mississippi.
Assistant District Attorney William “Bill” Barrett took on a difficult case to try. It might not have made it past the grand jury.
On October 31, 2024, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter announced that Timothy Sanders of Escatawpa, Mississippi, was arrested at his home the day before on a charge of unnatural intercourse and aggravated animal cruelty. His cousin had walked in on him holding his pregnant pit bull down, raping her.
At Sanders' arraignment, Jackson County Justice Court Judge Mark Watts denied Sanders bond and bound him over to the grand jury.
The glitch in the case was what evidence would prove the case beyond a doubt. Assistant District Attorney Barrett met the challenge. Without the hurdles of convincing a jury of Sanders' guilt, ADA Barrett pulled off a remarkable plea deal.
Timothy Sanders pleaded guilty to three counts of unnatural intercourse and animal cruelty. He is serving a year and a half incarcerated, with eight and a half years if he violates his probation when released.
You may have been one of the 13,356 advocates who signed our letter to DA Angel Myers McIrath seeking the maximum sentencing of the man who despicably violated his cousin's bond by attacking his dog for his vile satisfaction.
ADA Barrette visited the mother dog when she gave birth, and considered adopting her or one of her pups if they were not spoken for. Our Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley was truly impressed with ADA Barrett, finding him to have much compassion for animals.
Learn more about what we do to support animal victims of crime and how you can help.