Charles Thessing, 63, priest at St. Michael Church in West Memphis, was charged Tuesday with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He is accused of trapping and drowning cats.
Wednesday, the Diocese of Little Rock sent out a letter stating that he had been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Having heard from numerous voices within the parish, the school, and the broader community; having consulted with others; and having given this matter much prayer and consideration, I have determined that Fr. thessing cannot continue serving as an effective pastor for your parishes,” the Bishop of Little Rock wrote.
He also noted that Thessing has many supporters and is “well loved by many.”
The investigation into Thessing began with a tip.
“We were very fortunate that someone, a concerned citizen brought our attention to the situation and we addressed it immediately,” said Kerry Facello, Director of West Memphis Animal Services. “The West Memphis Police Department worked so fast in obtaining a search warrant and allowing us to investigate further and see exactly what was going on.”
West Memphis Police investigators arrived to Thessing’s home where they found evidence of animal cruelty, discovering two dead cats that appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water on the property.
They also found animal traps.
Records show Thessing has bonded out of jail.