Sign: Priest Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty For Drowning Cats in Water Tank

Published: February 19, 2025 at 11:50 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

West Memphis, AR – A 63-year-old Catholic priest is facing two aggravated animal cruelty charges for trapping and killing cats at his West Memphis home. Charles J. Thessing, a priest at St. Michael Church, is accused of drowning cats he trapped in a water tank on his property.

The authorities began investigating Thessing after receiving a tip about animal cruelty. In a release, the West Memphis Police Department said:

Animal cruelty will NOT be tolerated in our community! 🐾

On Friday, February 7, 2025, Officers responded to the West Memphis Animal Shelter about information that was received of the suspect, Charles J. Thessing of West Memphis, AR, allegedly committing acts of animal cruelty.
Det. Sgt. Chad Davis of the Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the incident, which subsequently led to a search of the residence where evidence of the allegations was found.

After obtaining arrest warrants, the police took Thessing into custody without incident on February 11, 2025; he is being charged with two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.

What Charles Thessing did to these cats is truly sadistic and cruel. Please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory receive justice for the lives this man stole.

Target: Prosecutor Tiarra Tanner

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand justice for the cats captured and drowned by Charles Thessing. This man trapped cats and cruelly stole their lives. Animal Victory and its supporters demand that Thessing face actual repercussions for his abhorrent behavior. This man must be held accountable for his actions. We require that Charles Thessing receive the maximum sentence for the two counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the cats who died at his hands but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Thessing was booked into the Crittenden County Jail but released after posting bond just a few hours later. He has also been suspended from his duties as a priest. Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock announced in a letter to parishioners of the two churches where Thessing serves as pastor that the priest has been suspended. “As you know, on Feb. 11, your pastor, Father Charles Thessing, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The allegations are disturbing, and as your bishop, I take them very seriously.”

News:

Local 12 News

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Update 5/29/2025: Charles Thessing has been scheduled for a motion and plea date for September 2, 2025. Jury trial has been rescheduled for September 22-26, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Court document ordering such attached.. Case #18CR-25-130

Update 3/19/2025:  The motion and plea date are scheduled for April 30, 2025. Jury trial is scheduled for May 19-22, 2025. New Case #18CR-25-130

Update 3/9/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the prosecuting attorney. 

Update 2/24/2025: Bond has been set at $10,000. K0PDRK3VA7HICYDH7I7BZLOWDP30I4 UTAWUYGVMLC2MS7FWYZ4Q1QAAVA0IU

Update 2/20/2025: Father Thessing’s case has been bound over to the circuit court, and his next appearance is March 18, 2025.