A University of Mississippi vice-chancellor has been indicted on 10 felony counts of animal cruelty.

The indictment, handed down by a Lafayette County grand jury last week, comes after investigators discovered multiple cases of mistreatment of animals on property owned by Charlotte Fant Pegues, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi, and her husband, Terry Pegues.

Charlotte Pegues turned herself in to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on Monday morning and was released after posting a $75,000 bond. Her husband, Terry Pegues, had been arrested on August 8, facing the same 10 charges after deputies found dead and malnourished dogs on their property. Terry Pegues was also released on a $75,000 bond.

The charges stem from an investigation that began on August 4, when deputies responded to a report of possible animal cruelty at a house on County Road 418. Upon arrival, deputies observed several dogs in poor condition, including some that had already died while still attached to collars and chains. In total, 20 animals were rescued and taken for medical care, while 10 dogs were found deceased.

Both Charlotte and Terry Pegues were indicted by the grand jury following the investigation. Charlotte Fant Pegues has served as vice chancellor for student affairs since 2021, following two years in an interim capacity.

The University of Mississippi has yet to issue a statement regarding Pegues’ indictment. In August, however, a spokesperson stated that the university was not involved in the investigation and had no knowledge of charges against any employee at that time.

For more information, read the full report at The Oxford Eagle.