Fort Myers Man Arrested for Alleged Animal Cruelty

A Fort Myers man is facing serious animal cruelty charges after Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies say he killed two kittens and severely abused a third over the past year.

David Charette was arrested Thursday and booked into the Lee County jail on aggravated animal cruelty charges. His bail was set at $100,000, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to Charette's Fort Myers residence after receiving a report that someone was physically striking and attempting to drown a 2-month-old kitten named Luna. When authorities arrived, they discovered the kitten alive and transported the animal to a veterinary hospital for medical care.

The investigation, however, revealed a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse. Witnesses informed investigators that Charette had used violence against his cats as a form of punishment directed at his daughter when she misbehaved, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities say their investigation uncovered evidence that Charette had killed two other cats within the past year. In June, he allegedly suffocated a 1-month-old kitten using a rag that had been soaked in bleach. In a separate incident, investigators say he killed a 3-month-old kitten by burning the animal with a blow dryer.

The sheriff's office reported that Charette buried both deceased cats in his backyard. During a search of the property, deputies recovered the remains of one of the animals, though the second set of remains was not located.

Police body camera footage captured officers examining one of the kittens at the scene and subsequently placing Charette under arrest. The video shows him being escorted to a patrol vehicle following his detention.

The case remains under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Aggravated animal cruelty is a felony offense in Florida, carrying potential penalties that include imprisonment and substantial fines.