State-Journal.com - Man pleads guilty to 13 counts of animal cruelty

A former Franklin County animal control officer pleaded guilty to 13 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals Thursday in Franklin District Court.

Derek A. Rayborn, 29, of 4010 St. Johns Road, was sentenced to six months in jail by Judge Kathy Mangeot. He will have to serve 30 days, beginning Feb. 1, and the remaining five months will be suspended on several conditions.

Those conditions include that Rayborn not own or have any dogs in his possession for two years; not participate in any kennel clubs or dog-related events; and have no other criminal offenses for two years.

Rayborn also received a $6,500 fine ($500 on each count), but that was also suspended on the same conditions.

In the plea agreement, one count of harboring a vicious animal was dismissed.

Thirteen pit bull dogs were seized from Rayborn's property on Jan. 3 by current county Animal Control Officer Todd Moore. It was the second time in nine months a large number of pit bulls were seized in connection with animal cruelty charges.

A trial was set for Rayborn Thursday on one count each of animal cruelty and harboring a vicious animal " charges stemming from 2007. Then he would have still had to face the multiple animal cruelty charges from 2008 later.

"We were ready to go to trial but Derek, in the last minute, did what he thought was best for his family," said Chris Olds, Rayborn's attorney, after Thursday's plea and sentencing. "He knew the potential was there to face a lot of jail time and he didn't want to take that chance.

"I don't think this was a situation where Derek was intentionally trying to hurt any dogs. I think he had taken in more dogs than what he could take care of. I think he did the best he could."

Olds said Rayborn took in rescue dogs because he was afraid if not they would go to the Franklin County Humane Society's animal shelter, "and possibly have to be euthanized. So I think he was trying to do the right thing but he wasn't able to adequately take care of the dogs he had."

Franklin County Attorney Rick Sparks said he was satisfied with the plea agreement.

"It accomplished the goals I had, which were to punish for the conduct and to ensure to the extent I could that Mr. Rayborn not have any dogs in the future," Sparks said.

Both times the pit bulls were seized from Rayborn, they were boarded at the local animal shelter.

Regina Mitchell, manager of the animal shelter, said she is satisfied with the plea agreement, "as long as (Rayborn) is monitored and abides by the conditions given to him. I feel justice was met for the animals. Franklin County citizens just need to keep their eyes open for this type of activity done to animals. It's especially important for the well being of the animals right now with the weather being so cold."

Mitchell said the shelter is closed today, as it was Thursday, because of the cold weather, "so the animals can all be inside the building with heat and plenty of blankets and food and water. We will reopen on Saturday."

88.	Posted by Rescue2 April 14, 2008
	I called Derek yaesterday and he told me to just drop it.But ya know what I can't seem to let go of the fact that you people are idiots!! His exact words we're "Foolish people are always right because they are to blind to see all the facts, and actually take time to learn & read, before they open their mouths and remove all doubt about how foolish they really are." But what you guys are missing is that he wasn't beating the dogs, he wasn't fighting them against each other, he was taking in dogs no matter their condition, and doing his best to nurse them back up and give them a second lease on life. Unlike Regina Mitchell who was THRILLED to kill them all! If he had taken them out and killed them you people would have strung him up!! He had 2 out of 13 dogs with cockcidosis, (A bacterial infection) who were being treated. Old Todd Moore just had a hard on for him, and would lie and cheat and steal and do what he has to, to make himself look good! He was supposedly Derek's friend, but instead of trying to help, he stuck it up his tail pipes! This guy is supposed to be a preacher!! God shall smite him for being a lier in the end! He lies to his congregation every Sunday when he pretends to be a "Good Christian"! He lies to himself!! I hope you all with your negative minds, and self righteous attitudes find some peace in life before it's to late!! Other wise enjoy Hell you little minded ******!!!

82.	Posted by Rescue2 March 18, 2008
	Not to Mention your court system's down there have their PRIORITIES ALL F$&# Up! Derek had sick Dogs, & Had to serve Jail time... BUT This Flood Family, I suppose they came off of (Texas Chainsaw Movie) Keep Grandpa Chained up in a room, Starving him and letting him set in his own ***, They get probation?? WHAT THE HELL KINDA BACKWARD SOCIETY IS THIS?? HE IS A HUMAN!!! If anyone should do jail time it should be them!! Isn't that border line attempted homicide? Probably hoping the old guy would kick so they could cash in on a life insurance policy or something!! You People call yourselves "The Bible Belt" or "Christian People" HAVE YOU EVER READ THE BIBLE?! It says in there.... "MAN HAS DOMINION OVER ALL ANIMALS!" "IT ALSO TELLS HOW ANIMALS HAVE NO SOUL!" not to mention "MAN WAS MADE IN HIS IMAGE!!", NOT DOG NOT COW NOT HORSE BUT MAN!!!! I think this was a setup ringer job!!!! YOUR SOME SICK MO FO's!!!!