March 21, 2025
Louisa Police Department Executes Search Warrant in Animal Cruelty Investigation
LOUISA, KY – On March 20, 2025, at approximately 08:07 p.m., the Louisa Police Department (LPD) executed a search warrant at a residence in connection to an ongoing animal cruelty investigation. This investigation, linked to LPD Case 200-25-014, stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 1, 2025, at The Millard School property.
The investigation began when a local animal caretaker, discovered one deceased cat and one injured cat at The Millard School on the evening of March 1. A subsequent veterinary examination determined that both animals had been shot with a pellet gun, with the deceased cat having a pellet lodged in its vertebrae and the injured cat sustaining two lodged pellets.
Through video surveillance analysis, investigators identified a pickup truck commonly driven by the suspect, Marcus A. Wilkes, on the school property at approximately 2:55 PM and 4:03 PM on March 1, 2025.
On March 20, 2025, LPD officers, assisted by Lawrence County Sheriff Office, arrived at Wilkes’ residence with a search warrant for the pellet gun used in the incident. Upon contact, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the home. Wilkes voluntarily retrieved and surrendered the pellet gun and pellets. During the search, law enforcement observed a lit marijuana cigarette near where Wilkes had been sitting. Additionally, officers identified and seized an AR-15 rifle and a Walther handgun in the kitchen, both of which had loaded magazines. Given Wilkes’ status as a convicted felon, the possession of these firearms led to additional charges.
Further investigation uncovered a marijuana cultivation operation in a designated grow room inside the residence. Officers discovered four large marijuana plants in buckets, five smaller plants in red Solo cups, thirteen cut stems, multiple packets of marijuana seeds, fertilizer, PH testing kits, lighting, and ventilation equipment. A crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine was also found in the grow room.
Additional searches within the residence yielded more marijuana, marijuana seeds, and a suspected THC “Dab” wax container.
Wilkes was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Cruelty to Animals – 2nd Degree
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on School Property
- Cultivation of Marijuana (5 Plants or More) – 1st Offense
- Trafficking in Marijuana (8 oz to <5 lbs) – 1st Offense
- Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Marijuana
Wilkes is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The Louisa Police Department remains committed to protecting the welfare of animals and ensuring the enforcement of all applicable laws.
