A third individual has been arrested in connection with a dog-theft case that rocked Charlotte back in April. 20-year-old Tahari Taylor now faces charges for his alleged role in the disappearance of a French bulldog named Julio, according to court documents obtained by WBTV. The dog's saga began when he was reportedly inside a car stolen from the Alta Croft apartments on April 6, igniting a dogged pursuit for his safe return.
Taylor was apprehended after investigators stumbled upon evidence while reviewing his phone for an unrelated incident. As per the affidavit, there were incriminating text message conversations between Taylor and one Jamari Banks, which appear to directly reference the stolen vehicle and Julio. Taylor has now been charged with felony possession of stolen goods, as reported by myfox8. Despite the legal proceedings, Julio's whereabouts remain unknown.
Moreover, prior arrests include Kendra Hunter and a minor, her 14-year-old son, whose connections to the case are still being explored. In a heart-wrenching expression of distress, Julio's owner, Jayla Gittens, told WCCB Charlotte that despite the arrests, "there's still no one willing to do the right thing and give me my dog back, which I just I truly don't understand."
The community has been called to action, as Gittens is offering a $2,500 reward for Julio's return, bolstered by another $5,000 coming from Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. Taylor is set to face the court later this month to answer to the charges leveled against him.
