Blount County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Five people previously charged in a Blount County animal cruelty case are facing new charges after deputies say they were found in possession of a dog—despite a court order banning them from owning animals.
According to an arrest report obtained by WVLT News, deputies with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Patterson Road in Walland on June 11. During that visit, deputies were allowed inside the residence, where they made a concerning discovery.
The report identifies the suspects as Lynn Youngen, Albert Youngen, William Youngen, Madison Huskey, and Julia Youngen.
An officer noted in the report they had prior knowledge that several of the residents were under a court order prohibiting them from possessing animals for the rest of their lives.
While searching the home, deputies reported suspicious behavior from Albert Youngen.
According to the report, Albert initially claimed a bedroom as his own but quickly left the room before deputies entered. As officers approached, they observed movement on the bed. A dog was then seen emerging from under blankets.
Investigators believe the dog had been intentionally concealed.
The report states, “It appeared as if Albert attempted to conceal the dog prior to my entering the residence.”
Despite the discovery, no one in the home admitted ownership or knowledge of the dog, even though the animal could reportedly be heard throughout the residence.
This is not the first time the group has faced animal-related charges.
In January, all five were charged in connection with an animal cruelty case involving 12 dogs and 13 cats. According to authorities at the time, the animals were tied up outside the home in below-freezing temperatures.
The latest charges come as a violation of a court-imposed restriction following that earlier case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
