Mesa police need more evidence to charge man with cruelty

ARIZONA -- Authorities say a Mesa man arrested on suspicion of cruelty and mistreatment of animals is facing only a theft charge now.

Mesa police took 39-year-old Scott Andrew Graham into custody on Sept. 3 in connection with several missing cats in one area of the city.

Scott Andrew Graham

Police say Graham admitted taking up to 40 cats, but denied harming them.

But police say three cats were found dead not far from the location of the home where one cat was reported stolen.

On Monday, Mesa police say a decision has been made to continue only with one theft charge against Graham unless more evidence is developed in the case.

It's unclear if Graham has a lawyer.

(AZ Central - Sept 25, 2012)