Suspects sought in Florida stolen property, animal cruelty case arrested in Trigg County

Two suspects sought in Florida after the discovery of neglected animals and about a half-million dollars’ worth of stolen property were arrested Monday in Trigg County.

The Trigg County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59-year old Carla Vance of Canton Road and 58-year old Anthony Rayburn of Manchester, Tennessee as fugitives from another state, according to the Christian County Jail website, which shows that Rayburn was also charged with identity theft, criminal possession of a forged instrument and other counts.

The pair had been sought by the Holmes County, Florida Sheriff’s Office since April of 2020 when an anonymous report of animal neglect led to the discovery of at least eight stolen utility trailers, boats, two tractors, and other equipment, with a total value exceeding $500,000.

A search warrant was later executed at the property, when investigators located thousands of dollars in more stolen merchandise.

Police say dogs were found locked in a horse trailer without food or water and it appeared they had been there for an extended period of time.

The dogs from inside the trailer, as well as seven others found on the property, were turned over to the care of Florida Rottweiler Rescue Ranch.

Both suspects are lodged in the Christian County Jail, awaiting extradition back to Florida.