University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Charlotte Fant Pegues was indicted last week on felony charges of animal cruelty.

She turned herself into the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, Sept. 9 and was later released on a $75,000 bond.

“Ms. Pegues has been indicted and turned herself into my office this morning where she was served the indictments and processed,” Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East told The Daily Mississippian on Monday.

“The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time,” University of Mississippi Director of News and Media Relations Jacob Batte said in an email to The Daily Mississippian.

Pegues’ husband Terry was arrested on 10 counts of animal cruelty on Aug. 7. The Daily Mississippian previously reported that Terry and Charlotte Pegues are listed on the deed for a property on 418 County Road, where the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department initially arrested Terry.

Graham P. Carner, Charlotte Pegues’ attorney, released a statement via email on Sept. 9 on behalf of the client.

“Dr. Charlotte Pegues had dedicated her life to service to her community and the University of Mississippi. She has served with integrity and character, which are now unfairly called into question by a rushed indictment,” Carner said. “Dr. Pegues is not guilty, and we will aggressively defend against these charges. In order not to be a distraction to the University she loves and that has loved her, Dr. Pegues will be taking a period of personal leave. She has asks for privacy as she works to preserve her good name.”

On Sunday, Aug. 4, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a possible animal cruelty case around County Road 418, according to a press release. The responders arrived at the location and saw several dogs that appeared malnourished, as well as several dogs that were deceased yet still attached to their collars and chains.

At the time of the officers’ arrival, no one was home and investigators were called to the scene where a search warrant was applied for and granted. Investigators rescued 20 animals, which were taken to a local veterinarian office. During the search, however, 10 animals were found deceased, according to the sheriff’s office press release.

Charlotte Pegues has been an employee of the University of Mississippi for over 30 years, initially serving as the assistant provost in 1993, according to her LinkedIn; over a decade of that time has been in the Division of Student Affairs. She has been the permanent vice chancellor for student affairs since August 2021.

Ava Hefferon contributed reporting.