A Santa Ana man is in hot water after skipping his arraignment for serious animal cruelty charges involving the deaths of up to 20 cats. Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 46, was supposed to appear in Orange County Superior Court but didn’t show up, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Acosta faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of animal cruelty and one felony count of grand theft for allegedly stealing a Bengal Lynx cat. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for possessing a controlled substance. His bail, initially set at $40,000, has now been forfeited. The district attorney’s office sought to raise his bail to $100,000, labeling him an "immense danger" to the community. After his absence, they filed a motion to hold him without bail when he is caught.
As of Thursday morning, Acosta had not been apprehended. If convicted on all counts, he could face a maximum sentence of five years and four months in prison.
The case has stirred significant public outrage. At least 25 animal activists were expected to attend the hearing, showing strong community interest in the case. Kimberly Edds, a public information officer for the district attorney, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing the horrific nature of the violence involved.
Acosta’s troubles began when he was arrested on April 23, following an investigation into reports of cat killings in his neighborhood. Witnesses identified him as the person luring cats to his property, where he allegedly harmed or killed them. Authorities discovered cat carcasses at his home during his arrest.
In a shocking admission, Acosta reportedly confessed to killing around 20 cats and even hanging some in a tree. Surveillance footage captured him engaging in violent acts, including slamming a cat and stomping on another.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities encouraging more witnesses to come forward. Westminster police are also involved due to the theft charge related to the Bengal Lynx cat, which was eventually returned to its owner.
The community is deeply affected by these events. A vigil for justice held in April drew about 100 people. While initially intended as a peaceful protest, it escalated into chaos, with some protesters damaging property and confronting Acosta’s family members.
As the case unfolds, many are left wondering how someone could commit such acts of cruelty. The district attorney’s office has promised to pursue justice for the victims of this disturbing crime.