MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A West Memphis priest pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and was ordered to pay $3,000 on Monday in a sentencing order by the Crittenden County, Arkansas Circuit Court.
Charles Thessing, 64, was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty after allegations that he trapped and drowned cats in February.
West Memphis priest accused of animal cruelty involving cats
According to the sentencing order, Thessing has to pay $2,250 in restitution to the West Memphis Animal Shelter, along with other court fees totaling $3,000. He will not serve any time.
On Feb. 7, West Memphis Animal Control received a video regarding the incident. West Memphis Police obtained a search warrant for Thessing’s property and say they found animal traps and two dead cats that appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water on the property.
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Thessing is listed on a church website as pastor of St. Michael Church in West Memphis, but was suspended indefinitely by the diocese in March…