MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – On Feb. 17, 2026, Shan’Tayia Brenae Edwards (DOB: 01/05/1994) was extradited back to Marion County from Glynn County, Georgia, on charges of two counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and three counts of Abandonment of an Animal.
On Nov. 6, 2025, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to a residence on the 12380 block of SE 130th Court in Ocklawaha to assist Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) in the execution of a search and seizure warrant to remove dogs from the property. During the operation, deputies located two deceased dogs and one surviving dog, later identified as “Olaf,” confined inside a cage.
MCAS Investigator Trail took custody of the animals and submitted the two deceased dogs for a necropsy. On Dec. 24, 2025, MCSO Agricultural Crimes Investigator McClaskey received the necropsy findings, which revealed both dogs were severely emaciated, with no palpable or visible fat coverage. Neither dog had food in its stomach at the time of death, and both were found to be infected with hookworms.
A veterinary examination of Olaf determined he was positive for heartworms, Microfilaria, and hookworms.
Throughout the investigation, Investigator McClaskey determined that Edwards had traveled to Georgia for a job interview and failed to return home. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact her, a warrant was issued for her arrest. On February 2, 2026, the Glynn County Police Department located Edwards while she was working at a Waffle House and took her into custody without incident.
Edwards was transported back to Marion County, where she was booked into the Marion County Jail.