The San Joaquin County sheriff is urging patience as investigators prepare their case against the owner of a Clements ranch where dozens of dead horses and other starving animals were found last month.
But Sheriff Patrick Withrow vowed the wait will be worth it as his department is working toward the filing of serious charges against the owner of the ranch, Jan Johnson. In order to present a “good solid case” to the district attorney’s office, he said his investigators are taking the time needed to compile the evidence that will ensure Johnson is held accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We are going to get this lady,” he said in a video message released Monday. “And we’re going to make sure she never gets to hurt another animal or anybody the rest of her life.”
Deputies who went to Johnson’s ranch with a search warrant Jan. 22 found many horses and other large animals lacking food and water. Photos from the scene show animals desperately malnourished.
Twenty-seven horses were found dead on the property, according to official reports, and four other horses and a bull were so emaciated and ill they had to be euthanized. Sixteen horses were taken to Oakdale Equine Rescue in Oakdale in hopes they can be nursed back to health.
Johnson was jailed on suspicion of cruelty to animals, threatening a public officer, criminal threats and possession of a short-barreled shotgun, deputies reported.
Withrow said he booked her on “a few charges to hold her accountable, but now we’re working on the entire case and we’re making sure we get all the information we need for that.”
Social media commenters have expressed outrage over the case and urged prosecution against Johnson and the employees at her ranch, located about 25 miles northeast of Stockton. Withrow’s video alone had attracted more than 100 comments within hours of its posting.
Although the number of horse deaths was reported as 27 in the initial invesitgation, some unconfirmed postings on social media say the count may have topped 50.
Withrow said some people are blaming the district attorney’s office for not yet filing serious enough charges in the case, but the sheriff said the holdup lies with his department.
“Just relax. Get off the D.A.’s back. It’s not him,” he said. “If you want to get on somebody’s back, get on my back, OK? Because we’re the ones trying to do the best we can on this thing.”
Withrow also said those who are concerned should consider donating to the nonprofit Oakdale Equine Rescue, which is not only caring for the horses, but paying for their veterinary bills as well.
The horses cannot be adopted yet, the Sheriff’s Office said, noting that the animals are evidence in the case. But there is an urgent need for funding to help provide food and medical care, officials said.
“That’s the way you can help us,” Withrow said.