Mesa County, CO – A former Mesa County Animal Services employee is facing charges following an investigation into alleged animal cruelty at a county facility earlier this year.
According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on March 20, 2026, to the Mesa County Animal Services facility on Coffman Road in Whitewater after receiving a report of suspected abuse.
Investigators identified the suspect as Deborah Wise, 65, of Fruita, who was employed by Mesa County Animal Services at the time of the alleged incident. Officials say Wise had been hired in July 2024 and last worked at the shelter on March 10, with an official dismissal date of March 17.
Following an investigation, authorities issued Wise a summons to appear in court on multiple charges. These include one count of official misconduct, a misdemeanor, and three counts of animal cruelty, also classified as misdemeanors.
According to county officials, Wise is no longer employed by Mesa County.
In a statement, Mesa County Animal Services Manager Kevin Bozarth emphasized that proper treatment of animals is a core responsibility of the department and said any conduct falling short of that standard is taken seriously.
No additional details about the alleged incidents have been released.
Officials remind the public that all charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
