May 29, 2015
On May 27, 2015 LCSO
Investigators received an anonymous tip that Audie Jackson Stokes (7-18-58)
shot five dogs on his property. Investigators
were previously aware Stokes had been convicted of a felony and was prohibited
from owning a firearm.
Investigators responded to the
Stokes home located in the Williston area.
Stokes met investigators in his yard, and he began to weave an implausible
explanation. When the story was
challenged, Stokes granted permission to search his home. Investigators located
and seized two firearms and ammunition in his bedroom. As the search continued,
Investigators discovered five dogs that had been shot in the head and discarded
in the back of his family owned 35 acre property. The dogs appeared otherwise healthy. Stokes was then taken into custody.
As the investigation continued, other
potential witnesses were interviewed. Evidence was discovered of a violent
history of domestic abuse perpetrated by Stokes. After hours of interviews and
crime scene investigation, Investigators determined Stokes had held a female victim
hostage, tying her to a bed and ultimately sexually battering her.
As a result, Investigators
developed a case and filed four felony charges against Stokes. He was booked into the Levy County Detention
Facility, charged with five counts of animal abuse – causing a cruel death, two
counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sexual battery and
false imprisonment. Stokes is being held on a 1.1 million dollar bond awaiting
trial.
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