DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — Seven people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into animal cruelty and sex crimes in Davidson County.
The Invictus Task Force began investigating a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in March. Investigators identified Keith Brennan Adams as a suspect.
On Oct. 1, task force members executed a search warrant with assistance from the Davidson County and Randolph County sheriff’s offices and the Thomasville Police Department’s Special Response Teams.
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All seven defendants face two counts of felony cruelty to animals, four counts of misdemeanor instigating cruelty to animals, and two rabies vaccination violations.
Adams also faces charges including second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, felony exposing a child to a controlled substance, and misdemeanor child abuse.
Bella Azlyn Conrad and April Owens each face additional charges of felony exposing a child to a controlled substance and misdemeanor child abuse. David Owens faces a felony charge of failure to register an online identifier.
Cody Phillips, Bobby Owens and Teresa Graham face no additional charges beyond the animal cruelty and rabies-related charges.
All seven were taken to the Davidson County Detention Center. Adams was held without bond, while the other defendants were given secured bonds ranging from $2,500 to $5,500.