Registered sexual predator arrested on bestiality charges

 ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A registered sexual predator living in St. Johns County is arrested on charges he had sex with his neighbors dog.

St. Johns County Sheriff's deputies arrested 52-year-old James Lee Lyons after his neighbor complained to detectives that Lyons sexually abused his dog.

The neighbor says he let two of his dogs out Monday afternoon before a thunderstorm. The neighbor says one dog returned the other did not. The neighbor says he searched all over for the dog but couldn't find it.

The neighbor says he later saw Lyons carrying his dog. The neighbor told police he asked Lyons where he found the dog. Lyons reportedly told the neighbor he found the dog in the shed. The neighbor questioned that story because he says he had already checked that location.

The neighbor says he noticed the dog acting withdrawn, as well as injuries to the dogs rectum and vulva.

The neighbor called Animal Control. Animal Control officials urged the man to take the dog to the vet.

Special Victim's detectives were then called in to investigate.

They arrested Lyons Friday morning on charges of animal cruelty and sexual activity involving an animal.

Lyons was previously arrested in 1998 on charges of attempted sexual battery on a child, and a sexual act with a child while in a familial role.

In that case Lyons made a plea deal and was sentenced to just over 13 years. He was released two years ago in June and had to register as a sexual predator.
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