SJC bestiality suspect accused of repeating the act

A St. Johns County man is in jail for the second time within a week on charges of sexual activity involving animals.

The Sheriff’s Office has charged 52-year-old James Lee Lyons with cruelty to animals, sexual activities involving animals and failure to register as a Sexual Predator. He has been booked in to the County Jail on $61,000 bond.

Last week, Lyons was arrested for an incident regarding a neighbor’s dog. The man had let his two dogs in to the backyard and one wandered in to Lyons’ yard. Deputies say Lyons was later seen carrying the dog around, which later acted withdrawn. A vet later confirmed suspicion of animal abuse and bestiality. He bonded out of jail Friday evening on $11,000 bond.

A condition of his release included Lyons not have any pets in his home. Animal Control responded to his home on US 1 South and found two dogs. A Pit Bull did not show any injuries after being inspected by a vet, but a Terrier mix, which Lyons claimed was a stray, sustained injuries the vet says is consistent with sexual abuse. A release from the Sheriff’s Office says the vet described the injuries as “appalling”.

Lyons was also charged with failing to register as a Sexual Predator after it was discovered he was staying in the home on US 1 South but was registered at a St. Augustine Shores address. He was convicted of attempted sexual battery on a child and sexual act with a child while in a familial role in 1998 and released from prison just two years ago.

The Terrier mix (pictured to the left) is being cared for by County Animal Control, and will be offered for adoption at a later time. The pit bull will also be available for adoption.