A British national accused of animal cruelty in Las Vegas has been taken into federal immigration custody following his arrest by local police, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The case involves both felony animal cruelty charges and an immigration detainer, which allows federal authorities to assume custody after a local arrest.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested John Young Cotter Johnstone on April 1 following a month-long investigation into alleged abuse at an animal shelter where he worked, officials said.
According to police, video evidence showed Johnstone using shock collars on dogs, pulling their heads downward by stepping on their leashes, and lifting animals off the ground using the leashes. Authorities said he now faces four felony counts of willfully torturing, maiming, or mutilating animals.
Federal officials said Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer the same day as the arrest with the Clark County Detention Center.
Clark County authorities transferred Johnstone to federal custody on April 2 after honoring that detainer, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Immigration detainers are requests that local law enforcement notify federal officials before releasing an individual so custody can be transferred when immigration enforcement is applicable.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the case involved coordination between local and federal authorities following the arrest.
According to federal officials, Johnstone is a citizen of the United Kingdom who entered the United States in 2021 under the Visa Waiver Program. Authorities said he was authorized to remain in the country until February 2022 but did not depart.
Overstaying a visa can result in immigration enforcement action, including detention and removal proceedings, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Johnstone remains in ICE custody while both the criminal case and immigration proceedings continue, according to federal officials.
Authorities have not announced a court date for the animal cruelty charges.
