Pulaski, Giles County (trfnews.i234.me) – Disturbing new developments are emerging in the case of James and Kelli Hewitt, formerly of Lancaster, Minnesota, now residing in rural Pulaski, Tennessee.
James Hewitt, once a deputy for the Kittson County Sheriff’s Department, and his wife were arrested last week at their Tennessee residence. The couple now faces pending charges of trafficking for forced labor, servitude, and animal cruelty. A court hearing has been scheduled for July 15th in Giles County, Tennessee.
According to the Giles County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest was part of a major investigation involving 15 agencies. Authorities rescued eight people, and search warrants revealed the presence of over 40 mistreated dogs and starving chickens on the property.
Documents further allege the Hewitts knowingly trafficked a child from a Haitian orphanage, subjecting them to involuntary servitude and manual labor. While eight victims were reportedly found, only one child is specifically mentioned in the legal filings at this time.
This case is developing rapidly, and more information is expected to be released as court proceedings move forward.