Investigation Clears Montgomery County Shelter Director

CONROE, TX -- Embattled Montgomery County Animal Shelter Director Aaron Johnson and Assistant Director Mark Wysocki have been reinstated after both men were placed on administrative leave amid reports that dozens of animals were euthanized at the no-kill shelter.

The announcement was made in a press release from Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, who oversees the shelter.

“Aaron and Mark have made great strides towards improving the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.” Noack said. “Their continued efforts will help find loving homes and reputable rescue organizations for the more than 700 dogs and cats currently in the shelter. I am confident that their leadership, combined with the dedicated staff and volunteers, will ensure that all the animals are well taken care of while at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.”

Johnson and Wysocki were placed on administrative leave with pay last month after allegations were made by a veterinarian at the shelter that more than 70 animals confiscated from a hoarder in Conroe were brought to the shelter and euthanized.

READ ALSO: No-Kill Shelter Under Investigation After 70 + Pets Are Killed

Noack said an exhaustive criminal investigation was conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Drug Enforcement Agency found no wrongdoing.

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said he is confident in the work performed by the detectives at the Sheriff’s Department and the Montgomery County Grand Jury process.

“As part of their investigation, the Grand Jury reviewed every recent allegation of criminal conduct against the shelter employees. They found no criminal liability,” Ligon said. “Many of these types of allegations find their way into the criminal justice process because there is no independent office of inspector general that can make a preliminary determination into county employee behavior and help to determine whether alleged conduct would ultimately be a criminal matter, an administrative matter, or merely an in house disciplinary matter. Without this intermediate process, there is often heightened attention and scrutiny into these investigations, which may, in hindsight, be unwarranted.”

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