On Friday, January 24, 2025, the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged the following individuals as it relates to the search warrant executed on 12/13/2024 and the investigation of animal neglect:
- Kelly Marie Adams, age 44, was charged with three (3) counts of Animal Neglect Causing Injury (Serious Misdemeanor) and one (1) count of Obstructing Prosecution (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
- Dominic Riley Adams, age 19, was charged with four (4) counts of Animal Neglect Causing Serious Injury or
Death (Aggravated Misdemeanor) - Madison Christine Steele, age 18, was charged with four (4) counts of Animal Neglect Causing Serious Injury or Death (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
It is alleged that between the dates of 8/13/24 and 12/13/24, Kelly Adams acquired, lived with, and or cared for animals in violation of her pre-trial release, and that during this time three (3) bearded dragons which were in the care of Kelly Adams suffered from dehydration, resulting in their inability to shed their skin and loss of extremity.
It was also determined that during the execution of the search warrant on 12/13/24, Kelly Adams had concealed a puppy on or about her person and removed it from the residence, as she was free to leave. This action was discovered by law enforcement in the days following that search warrant, and on 12/20/24 a subsequent search warrant was obtained and executed at a residence in Muscatine. The puppy was located and seized.
It is alleged that between the dates of 8/13/24 and 12/13/24, Dominic Adams and Madison Steele possessed, and were in direct care of, nineteen (19) animals located within the residence. Three crested geckos and one corn snake were located deceased in the residence, all of which were found to have been severely dehydrated.
On 12/27/24, an order of disposition was filed after all three subjects relinquished their rights to the animals seized on 12/13/24 and 12/20/24. It was found that all three subjects were otherwise liable for all fees for the care and maintenance of the animals, court costs, filing fees, service fees, and attorney’s fees, totaling $7,789.65
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all subjects shall be presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.
