Oakland County Sheriff's deputies charged with animal cruelty

Two Oakland County Sheriff's deputies are facing misdemeanor animal cruelty charges for allegedly  neglecting three horses in their care.

Lapeer Country Prosecutor Byron Konschuh said James Willyard and his wife, Georgia, were arraigned Friday.

Three horses were removed from their land off 5 Lakes Road in Lapeer after an investigation that began at the end of January.

They're due back in court on March 20.

On Monday, the Oakland Sheriff's Office released the following statement:

"We obviously find these allegations very disturbing. We have no tolerance for any animal cruelty. The deputies in question have been relieved of their police powers pending the outcome of the case."

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