A Polk County woman is facing multiple felony charges after what deputies say began as a simple animal control issue quickly escalated into a serious incident.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the home of 50-year-old Amanda Sexton after reports that she was allowing her cats to roam freely off her property. Authorities say Sexton had been informed that allowing cats to roam at large off property is against the law.
An animal control officer attempted to issue Sexton a citation. While animal control officers do not have the authority to make arrests, they can issue citations. Sexton refused to accept the citation, prompting the officer to leave it on her mailbox.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Sexton then grabbed the citation, crumpled it up, and threw it, striking the officer.
The situation escalated further when a deputy arrived on scene. Authorities say Sexton went inside her home and refused to speak with deputies. She then called 911, allegedly threatening to shoot if deputies attempted to enter her residence.
Supervision responded to the scene, and a sergeant was eventually able to get Sexton to come to the door. However, deputies say she became combative, kicking the sergeant as officers attempted to take her into custody.
Sexton was ultimately restrained using handcuffs and leg restraints before being transported to the Polk County Jail.
“She’s taken a misdemeanor citation and made it into felony battery, felony resisting arrest, felony threats against an official in their line of duty, and more,” Sheriff Judd said.
What began as a minor citation has now resulted in a series of serious criminal charges.
