Monroe County animal control director arrested in drug investigation case

A Monroe County animal control director was among three people arrested and charged Wednesday following a multi-state drug investigation, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators executed a search warrant in the River Forest subdivision as part of the probe, which authorities said uncovered evidence of manufacturing and distributing controlled substances.

Authorities said the suspects arrested were Becky Gifford, 49, who serves as the county’s animal control director; Chad Gifford, 52; and Holden Haworth, 22. All three were charged with manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances and are being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond, police said in a news release.

In a Facebook post, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners said Gifford has been officially terminated following the arrest at her home Wednesday morning. Longtime Monroe County Animal Control Officer Carlos Santillan will replace her in an interim position until a new director is named, according to the post.

Officials added that Monroe County Animal Services will remain open under normal hours of operation.

The Sheriff’s Office said the case remains active and updates will be released as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe County Investigations Division at 478-994-7043.

This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 5:03 PM.