MONTGOMERY COUNTY – A Harris County deputy is on administrative leave after she was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals.
According to court documents, Monica Cooper is accused of starving two horses before dumping them at a horse facility in Montgomery County. Investigators said Cooper failed to provide adequate food, water, and care for a livestock animal.
Court documents accuse Cooper of abandoning the malnourished horses in July.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office released a statement:
"Deputy Cooper is now the subject of an internal investigation to determine if she has violated any HCSO polices." It goes on to say, "Although the criminal charge against her does not appear to directly involve her HCSO duties, all law enforcement employees are expected to set an example in following all laws. It is our understanding that she dropped off two horses at an animal care facility in Montgomery County several weeks ago, but we CANNOT confirm at this point whether the information in the video involves her alleged actions."
A spokesperson from the sheriff's office also said that the charges against Cooper are not related to her duties as a deputy.
Cooper is set to appear in court on Friday.