Alan and Sheree Napier found guilty of animal cruelty, fraud

After an eight-day trial, former East County animal shelter owners Alan and Sheree Napier were found guilty.

Feb. 4, a jury found Alan Napier, 52, guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty, one charge of unlawful solicitation and one scheming to defraud charge.

Sheree Napier, 46, is guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of scheming to defraud.

Sentencing is set for March 27.

The couple faces three to 85 years in prison.

Sheree Napier is currently out on bond, and Alan Napier remains in custody.

The Manatee County Sherriff's Office raided and confiscated more than 300 animals from the Napier's East County animal shelter, Napier Log Cabin Animal and Horse Sanctuary, Feb. 5, 2014.

Authorities cited unsanitary living conditions for the horses, pigs, dogs, cats, goats and other animals found on the propoerty, located off State Road 64.

The raid resulted from various complaints from concerned residents and undercover investigations by officials.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].