West Memphis pastor Charles Thessing, 63, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty. He is under investigation for allegedly mistreating two cats, which are believed to have been drowned, as reported by WREG.

According to Action News 5 report, Thessing was detained and released from Crittenden County jail within two hours.

Kerry Facello, director of the West Memphis Animal Shelter, stated that the community's involvement was crucial in bringing the case to light. The investigation confirmed a violation of animal welfare standards. "The deliberate harming of an animal is 100% unacceptable," Facello said. "To see someone be actively cruel, to see neglect, to see harm come to them in any way, not only is it heartbreaking and illegal, it makes a statement for how that person lives their life," she told FOX 13 Memphis.

A search warrant on Thessing's property revealed animal traps and the bodies of the two deceased cats, which appeared to have been drowned in a water tank. The West Memphis Police Department has urged anyone with further information to contact them at 870-732-1210.