Maryland man nabbed on 16 charges including bestiality

Jason Havelt was arrested and charged with 16 offenses, including child pornography, weapons, and animal cruelty.

IJAMSVILLE, Md. (WDVM) — The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) executed a search warrant in Ijamsville, Maryland, on Thursday. Jason Havelt, 42, was arrested without incident and charged with 16 offenses, including child pornography, weapons, and animal cruelty.

In a Facebook post, police said, FCSO detectives received animal abuse and cruelty tips in November 2021, and Havelt was named a suspect. Photos of Havelt doing sexual activities on his dogs were found on a USB drive given to the FCSO and Frederick County Animal Control. In addition, detectives discovered more photographs and recordings of animal torture during forensic investigations of three cell phones collected from Havelt.

The charges include:

• Child porn with the intent to promote/distribute
• Possession of child pornography
• Firearm possession with a felony conviction
• Illegal possession of ammunition
• Illegal possession of a regulated firearm
• Two counts of rifle/shotgun in possession with a felony conviction
• Two counts of possessing a rifle/shotgun being convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Seven counts of aggravated cruelty to an animal

FCSO detectives also found recordings of child pornography, including acts with animals, on Havelt's electronic devices as a part of their ongoing investigation. In addition, Havelt was reportedly photographed at his home with various firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, according to detectives. Havelt is prohibited from owning guns since he is a convicted felon.