Welcome to Arrest Stories. A twenty-four-year-old woman who operated a self-proclaimed animal rescue in Citrus County faces thirty-three criminal charges after deputies discovered dozens of dead animals on her property. Here's what may have happened.
On Monday, Citrus County deputies responded to a home on East Oak Court in Floral City following reports of animal neglect at a facility called Hess Haven. The property was operated as an animal rescue by twenty-four-year-old Jordyn Hess, who also owns a clinic.
Upon arrival, investigators made disturbing discoveries throughout the property. Deputies found several dead cats inside trash bags. A deceased dog was locked inside a transport carrier. Three dead birds were located in a chicken coop. The scope of the neglect extended beyond the deceased animals.
Inside the home, deputies encountered one dog and nine cats living among overflowing litter boxes filled with feces. The conditions prompted immediate action from authorities who removed forty-three animals total from the property. The rescued animals were transported to Citrus County Animal Services for care.
The investigation revealed what officials described as severe neglect and abuse resulting in multiple animal deaths across the property. Jordyn Hess was arrested Monday and now faces eleven felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and twenty-two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
An official involved in the case expressed the gravity of what deputies encountered. "No matter how many cases you work, you never get used to seeing animals living and dying in conditions like these. These animals were living in conditions no creature should ever endure and getting them out while holding someone accountable was our absolute priority."
The case highlights the contrast between Hess Haven's stated mission as an animal rescue and the conditions authorities discovered on the property. The facility that was supposed to provide sanctuary for animals instead became the scene of alleged widespread neglect and cruelty.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.