On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am, Smith County Animal Control
responded to an animal cruelty call at 9444 C R 4136, in the northern portion of Smith County.
Upon the arrival of Animal Control Officers, they observed many dogs at this location and
visible evidence of animal cruelty.
At this point, Animal Control notified the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Upon the
arrival of Smith County Investigators, a sweep of the property was conducted to check the
welfare of a large amount of Pit Bull and Pit Bull mix dogs scattered about the property. Many
of the dogs were without food and water, while others had injuries consistent with dog fighting.
Investigators detained Kerry Jermon Isiah Jones – 34 due to reasonable suspicion that he was
involved in criminal activity, namely Animal Cruelty. After further investigation, Kerry Jones
was placed under arrest for Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals by failing unreasonably to provide
necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in his custody.
Investigators prepared an affidavit and presented it to County Court-at-Law 2 Judge Sara
Maynard who issued a search warrant for the property. Investigators also prepared animal
seizure paperwork and presented it to Smith County Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Judge Derrick
Choice. Judge Choice signed the paperwork granting the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control
authority to remove all dogs from this property.
During this investigation, evidence consistent with a dog fighting operation was seized from the
property as well as evidence indicating that dog fighting occurred at this location. Also,
marijuana and THC products were located on the property, which precipitated the need for a
narcotics search warrant. At that time, Investigators prepared an affidavit and presented it to
Judge Sara Maynard who issued a search warrant for the seizure of the narcotics. Investigators
retrieved approximately seven pounds of packaged marijuana as well as THC products.
A total of 59 dogs were safely seized from the property as well as two cats. Of those 59 dogs, 6
sustained significant injury consistent with dog fighting and were taken for veterinary care.
Later in the same day, an arrest affidavit was presented to 114 th State District Judge Reeve
Jackson who subsequently issued a warrant on Kerry Russel for the criminal offense of Dog
Fighting with a bond set at $550,000.
On September 10, 2024, Michael Cameron Jones was taken into custody on a warrant for the
criminal offense of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. Judge Reeve Jackson also issued this
warrant and set bond at $500,000. Both Kerry Jones and Michael Jones continue to be housed
at the Smith County Jail.
This is an ongoing investigation with additional arrests possible.
For more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office visit www.smithcountysheriff.com.
The Sheriff’s Office also has a FB page and can be followed on Twitter at @SmithCSO.