Man charged with animal cruelty after dog is found with legs, mouth taped

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who is accused of taping up a dog and leaving them alone on a busy road in North Fort Myers.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno said Emerito Marquez, 25, is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after a dog was found with its mouth and legs bound with tape.

The dog, Paco, was found limping alone near a Race Trac gas station on Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers. He was taken to Lee County Domestic Animal Services to be evaluated and the sheriff said the dog is expected to make a full recovery.

“This person has no blood in their veins, has no heart. This is the making of a serial killer. This is the making of someone who can go on to abuse humans far more worse,” said Marceno.

The investigation led deputies to Paco’s owner on Tuesday afternoon.

The sheriff made it clear that in his opinion, the suspect deserves worse. “If I could, I would duct tape his mouth shut and let the son of a (expletive) run through traffic with his legs bound,” Marceno said.

Even when deputies got the tape off Paco, the marks on his skin remained. Still, the sheriff said Paco is doing well.

As for his owner, the sheriff said he has a treat for him too because Tuesday was his birthday.

“I got him a birthday cake. Actually, the cake is for Paco. It looks like he will make a full recovery. I’m going to personally call your mom and tell her you won’t be home for your birthday dinner,” said Marceno.

Marceno said Marquez is a documented gang member with 23 arrests.

The sheriff said he will likely go to court to make sure Marquez never has custody of Paco again.

You can watch the press conference in the player below or by clicking here. WARNING: The press conference contains profanity.