The case arose when law enforcement responded to Morris’ residence on May 9, 2014, following a 911 call by a neighbor who saw Morris beating his dog (a black Labrador mix named Sheba) with a piece of lumber. The caller observed Morris holding the dog down and repeatedly striking it with a piece of lumber.
Morris originally denied the allegations and claimed he had given the dog to his father but then changed his story to say he gave it to his brother three days prior.
Morris eventually admitted kicking the dog, which he described as discipline, then throwing it out of the fence gate. Morris provided consent for law enforcement to search the residence and a closet in the master bedroom that had numerous heavy items in front of it. Morris finally admitted the dog was in the closet.
When law enforcement found the dog, she had obvious injuries on her face, neck and foot and was unable to walk. Morris later admitted that he knew the dog was in the closet and that he was going to get rid of it when law enforcement left the residence.
Once his prison sentence is complete, Morris will be on probation for three years, during which time he is prohibited from owning any animals. He is also required to undergo a psychological evaluation and complete any recommended treatment and was assessed a $2,500 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Assistant State Attorney Clifton Drake prosecuted the case. The sentence was imposed by Circuit Judge John Brown.
Any questions can be directed to Assistant State Attorney Clifton Drake at (850)
651-7260.
Before abusing this poor dog, he abused children. On October 4, 2013, he was charged with Willful Child Abuse. This means he had already been charged with child abuse when he was charged with animal cruelty.
The state settled all of the cases at the same time, on August 14, 2014. For Willful Child Abuse he was sentenced to 1 year, 10 months and 6 days in state prison (NOT county jail). For Aggravated Animal Cruelty, he was sentenced to 1 year, 10 months and 6 days in state prison (NOT county jail). For Obstructing A Crime Investigation, he was sentenced to 1 year, 10 months and 6 days in state prison (NOT county jail). His current release date is listed as December 2, 2015.
Full Name: Jessie Eugene Morris
Aliases: Jesse Eugene Morris, Jessie E Morris, Jessie Morris, Jesse Morris
Birthdate: 09/25/1981
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210 lbs
Hair/Eye: Brown/Brown
Current facility: Bay Correctional Facility, Florida
(Okaloosa County Sheriff - Aug 15, 2014)
Earlier:
