Local priest suspended, arrested on animal cruelty charges

Thessing suspected of trapping, drowning cats

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

In a case that stirred up emotions ranging from revulsion to outrage to disbelief on local social media pages, a priest at a church in West Memphis has been arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charges.

West Memphis police responded to a call over concerns involving improper care of an animal, city officials said Tuesday, and following an investigation, made an arrest.

Father Charles Thessing, 63, of West Memphis was taken into custody and transported to the Crittenden County Detention Center, charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Thessing was out on bond in less than two hours.

Thessing is the pastor of St.

Michael’s Catholic Church in West Memphis.

On Tuesday, after the story broke, neither church nor police officials made public statements specific to the case, citing an ongoing investigation, save to say that the investigation determined that local and state animal welfare laws had been violated. However, in a statement that did not point directly to the case, Kerry Facello, West Memphis Animal Shelter Director, said, “We take all matters of public concern seriously, especially those affecting the well-being of animals in our community.

Animal cruelty cases are a top priority, and we will always enforce the law to protect the animals in our care.”

On Wednesday, the Wednesday, the Diocese of Little Rock sent out a letter stating that Thessing had been “suspended indefinitely,” pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Having heard from numerous voices within the parish, the school, and the broader community; having consulted with others; and having given this matter much prayer and consideration, I have determined that Father Thessing cannot continue serving as an effective pastor for your parishes,” the Bishop of Little Rock wrote. He also noted that Thessing has many supporters and is “well loved by many.”

According to Facello, the investigation into Thessing’s actions began with a tip that led to evidence that he had been trapping and drowning neighborhood cats.

“We were very fortunate that someone, a concerned citizen brought our attention to the situation and we addressed it immediately,” said Kerry Facello, Director of West Memphis Animal Services.

“The West Memphis Police Department worked so fast in obtaining a search warrant and allowing us to investigate further and see exactly what was going on.”

Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to call the West Memphis Police Department at 870-732-1210.

THESSING