Dogs Seized, Men Charged on Greenway

After stopping to assist two men with a puppy along the Dulles Greenway shoulder near Shreve Mill Road this past Friday, Sept. 7, a Loudoun Animal Services officer spotted multiple dogs of varying ages and degrees of health.

Authorities believe the men were transporting the dogs from several other states, some destined for Virginia, others elsewhere, according to a press release from Loudoun County.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office assisted Animal Services in arresting and charging the men with importing pet dogs in the Virginia without a certificate of veterinary inspection, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The press release identified the men as Tremain Dene Johnson, 44, of Lithonia, GA, and Harry Ortice Puckett, 33, of Elgin, IL. Both men are scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, Sept. 19, in Loudoun General District Court. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail and $2,500 in fines. A seizure hearing to determine custody of the dogs also will be held Sept. 19.

The dogs were transported to the Loudoun County Animal Shelter where they will be cared for until custody is determined.

The previous information was supplied by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and, where charges were made, does not indicate a conviction. For questions about this article, email dusty@patch.com.