Updated at 3:46 p.m. with attorney statement

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi has been indicted on felony charges of animal cruelty.

Charlotte Fant Pegues was indicted by the Lafayette County grand jury last week on 10 counts of animal cruelty.

She turned herself into the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on Monday morning and was later released on a $75,000 bond.

Her husband, Terry Pegues, was arrested on Aug. 8, also on 10 charges of animal cruelty after deputies found dead and malnourished dogs on property owned by the Pegues.

On Aug. 4, deputies responded to a house on County Road 418 after receiving a report of possible animal cruelty.

Deputies could see several dogs that appeared malnourished as well as dogs that were already dead and still attached to collars and chains.

Twenty animals were rescued and taken to a local veterinarian office for evaluation and care and 10 dogs were found deceased.

Terry Pegues was arrested and also booked on a $75,000 bond. He was also indicted by the grand jury last week on the 10 charges.

Fant Pegues was named the vice chancellor for student affairs in 2021 after serving in an interim role for two years.

According to University Communications, Fant Pegues has been placed on leave.

“The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time,” wrote Jacob Batte, director of News & Media Relations, in an emailed statement.

In a statement sent to the EAGLE Monday afternoon, Fant-Pegues’ attorney Graham Carner said that his client was “not guilty.”

“Dr. Charlotte Pegues has dedicated her life to service to her community and the University of Mississippi. She has served with integrity and character, which are now unfairly called into question by a rushed indictment. Dr. Pegues is not guilty, and we will
aggressively defend against these charges. In order not to be a distraction to the University she loves and that has loved her, Dr. Pegues will be taking a period of personal leave. She asks for privacy as she works to preserve her good name.”