Three people were arrested and 16 dogs were rescued after the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in the Covington area, according to an April 20 announcement.
Authorities say the incident began on April 15 when members of the Proactive Enforcement Unit received an anonymous tip that a wanted person was at a home in the 79000 block of Barker Road. After investigating, detectives obtained and carried out a narcotics search warrant at the location.
During their search, deputies found six firearms along with small amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and hydrocodone. In addition to drugs and weapons, detectives discovered 16 severely malnourished dogs ranging from puppies to adults. The animals were removed from the property and turned over to St. Tammany Parish Animal Services for care.
Sheriff Randy Smith said, “Our deputies and detectives work tirelessly to protect both our residents and animals from dangerous and inhumane conditions. This case highlights the importance of community tips and the swift action taken by our personnel to hold offenders accountable.”
The homeowner, Clinton Hathcox—a convicted felon—was arrested on multiple charges including possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearms by a convicted felon (six counts), cruelty to animals (16 counts), resisting an officer, failure to appear (warrant), and contempt of court (warrant). Another resident, Christin Hanson, was also arrested on charges related to drug possession, drug paraphernalia, firearm offenses in connection with controlled substances (six counts), as well as accessory after the fact. A third resident identified as Anastasia Hathcox was charged with possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office says all three individuals were transported to St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center following their arrests.
