3 fugitives arrested in Rhode Island in connection to Connecticut animal cruelty investigation

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WLNE) — Three fugitives were arrested in Rhode Island and extradited to Connecticut in connection to an animal cruelty investigation in September of 2024, Old Saybrook police said.

70-year-old John Crouse, 59-year-old Jennifer Crouse, and 34-year-old Bebe Soho were arrested in Rhode Island and face animal cruelty charges in Connecticut.

According to police, over 105 non domesticated animals were found dead at two residences in Old Saybrook on Sept. 16, 2024, resulting in police issuing five arrest warrants.

After months of searching for the suspects, police received a tip on Aug. 16 and located three subjects with the assistance of North Kingstown and Narragansett officers.

According to the North Kingstown Police Department, officers discovered an unoccupied vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects outside the Stop and Shop on Frenchtown Road on Aug. 17.

Inside the Stop and Shop, police located and arrested Soho and her mother Jennifer Crouse.

North Kingstown police later responded to the Travel Inn on Post Road and arrested John Crouse inside his motel room.

Officers also allegedly found multiple animals inside the room, which were were taken into custody by Animal Control, according to North Kingstown police.

The three suspects were held on extraditable warrants and transported to the Old Saybrook Department of Police Services, where they were charged.

John Crouse was charged with two counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and seven counts of cruelty to animals.

Jennifer Crouse was charged with two counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and seven counts of cruelty to animals.

Soho was charged with one count of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of cruelty to animals.

All three defendants will be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on Wednesday.