News and Investigations

On June 17, 2025, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an anonymous complaint regarding two deceased dogs in the backyard of a residence on West 6th Street in Frostproof. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with 20-year-old Nashali Santiago, who stated she was caring for the dogs while her brother is deployed overseas. 

While searching the back yard of the residence, deputies discovered two deceased German Shepherds—identified by Santiago as “Ajax,” a 3-year-old male, and “Sugar,” a 2-year-old female - inside a makeshift pen with no roof or shade. The outdoor temperature at the time was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The pen contained no food or water bowls, and both dogs appeared to be in the early stages of decomposition.

Santiago told deputies she had last seen the dogs the previous night and claimed they were fine. She stated she typically fed and watered them once daily in the evening.

The dogs were sent to the University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where Dr. Adam Stern, a Board-Certified Veterinary Pathologist and Founding Fellow in Veterinary Forensic Pathology, conducted forensic necropsies. The results confirmed both dogs died from heatstroke and dehydration.

Ajax was found to be malnourished and had not eaten recently. His poor body condition was attributed to inadequate feeding, not illness. Sugar was in normal body condition but had also not eaten recently. No signs of disease or injury were found.

Santiago was arrested and charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty (F3).

“This is a heartbreaking case of neglect. If you take responsibility for an animal, you are obligated to care for it properly. These dogs suffered and died needlessly, and now the woman responsible for their deaths is facing serious felony charges.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff