Chesterfield man arrested in animal cruelty, fraud scam

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield man is in custody after police said he posted cats in distress online in an attempt to solicit money from the public.

Henrico Police on Sunday, Feb. 15, said they had arrested 27-year-old Rodney Travis Jr. of Chesterfield County, who they said was a scammer in the animal cruelty case involving fraud.

Henrico authorities said they were notified by the attorney general's office and officers with Chesterfield County Animal Control on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Through community assistance and cooperation with other agencies, authorities located where the animal cruelty content was produced and arrested Travis at his home in Chesterfield on Friday, Feb. 13. He was transported to Henrico County Jail West.

Travis is facing one count of animal cruelty. Police said there are likely additional charges.

Police have seized several cats and said they are receiving proper veterinarian care.

Officials continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000.