LEXINGTON, S.C. — A Lexington County woman and her boyfriend have been arrested following an investigation that deputies say uncovered animals living in what authorities described as deplorable conditions on two properties in the county.
Lexington County Animal Services investigators charged Julia Evans Pickett, 29, with 14 counts of ill-treatment of animals, two counts of failure to bury a dead animal, and one count of violating the Veterinarian Practice Act, according to arrest warrants. She’d previously faced other charges that were announced back on January 5th.
Her boyfriend, Michael Terence Sauer, 41, faces 11 counts of ill-treatment of animals, one count of failure to bury a dead animal, and one count of violating the Veterinarian Practice Act, authorities said.
The arrests followed the execution of search warrants in late December at two properties Lexington County animals services say were occupied by Pickett and Sauer. Investigators found multiple animals in varying conditions, including injured and deceased animals, according to Lexington County Animal Services Director Brittany Jones.
“Many of the animals were found to be housed in unsanitary conditions in feces- and urine-filled crates, kennels, and inside rooms in the home and buildings on the properties,” Jones said.
Investigators also discovered a large quantity of veterinary supplies and prescription drugs that are legally restricted for use only by a licensed veterinarian, Jones said.
“A dog located on the property had received veterinary treatment following an incident involving another animal,” Jones said. “The nature of the medical procedures raised concerns about how the treatment was performed.”
According to authorities, Sauer’s veterinary license has been suspended since May 23, 2025.
Pickett and Sauer were located at one of the properties and taken into custody on Jan. 14. Both are being held at the Lexington County Detention Center while awaiting bond hearings.
