Sworn complaint filed against suspect in pet pig death investigation, Alachua County deputies say

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies say a sworn complaint was filed against the person suspected of killing a beloved pet pig in Hawthorne.

Sheriff’s deputies say the suspect faces the charge of petit theft in connection with the death of “Gemma,” a pet potbellied pig.

Gemma disappeared from its home on Southeast 65th Avenue on May 21, and the owner, Coty Mulkey, who spoke to TV20 about the incident, learned the pig had been seen near Shell Elementary School.

While searching the area, Mulkey spoke with a witness who said they’d been asked to help dispose of a pig carcass, which they believed to be a feral hog.

The witness helped the owner locate the remains, which were identified as Gemma’s, and they were returned to the family.

RELATED: Family’s pet pig found dead days after disappearing in Hawthorne

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division investigated the case and determined probable cause exists to charge the suspect with petit theft, a misdemeanor.

Due to the suspect’s alleged belief that the animal was a feral hog and not a domesticated pet, no probable cause exists to charge the suspect with animal cruelty.

“While the legal outcome may not align with every person’s expectations, our responsibility is to investigate the facts objectively and apply the law as written. We extend our condolences to Gemma’s family and appreciate the community members who assisted in providing information during the investigation,” the sheriff’s office stated.

The sheriff’s office has submitted charging documents to the State Attorney’s Office for review. The name of the suspect is being withheld from the public pending the review of the sworn complaint.

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