Monroe County animal control officer arrested, charged for animal cruelty

A Monroe County animal control officer is facing animal cruelty charges following an incident from last month, deputies said Monday afternoon.

Investigators with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding an incident at the animal shelter that occurred on June 18. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Carlos Santillan, deputies say. He faces four counts of cruelty to animals.

“The Monroe County Board of Commissioners has terminated his employment effective immediately,” deputies said Monday.

Santillan is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail. A magistrate judge set his bond at $5,000.

This incident remains under investigation.

Alba Rosa

The Telegraph

Alba Rosa, from Puerto Rico, is a local courts reporter for The Telegraph in Macon, Georgia. She studied journalism at Florida International University in Miami, Florida where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2023. Other than journalism, she likes to make art, write and produce music and delve into the fashion world.