Felony charge added to Paducah man jailed over alleged abuse and death of a dog

A new charge has been added against the Paducah man that was jailed for allegedly abusing a dog, ultimately leading to its death.

After consultation with prosecutors, 21-year-old Latavious Frazier has been charged with tampering with physical evidence, which is a felony.

Frazier was served the new warrant in the McCracken County Regional Jail, where he is lodged on the animal cruelty charge. The sheriff's office said that there could still be more charges, as the investigation continues. 

Multiple calls to law enforcement came in over several days about a person reportedly dragging a dog by the leash or the scruff of the neck, some alleging the person kicked the dog, as well. Police had not been able to locate the person until about 2 p.m. Wednesday. 

A pair of employees of the City Of Paducah spotted the individual along South 31st Street and tried to intervene, as they said the dog was not moving. The city employees called 911 and McCracken County Animal Control, Paducah Police, and McCracken County Sheriff's deputies all responded.

Frazier was later located in an apartment building on Jefferson Street. Paducah Police found the deceased dog concealed behind some appliances. Interviews uncovered that Frazier was allegedly squatting in the building's basement.

McCracken County Sheriff's deputies arrested Frazier and initially charged him with animal cruelty.