BUENA VISTA COUNTY, IA (Northwestiowanow) — A Linn Grove man is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say three dogs were abandoned along a rural Buena Vista County road earlier this year.

According to court records, prosecutors charged 35-year-old Exavier Lamar Ford in two separate cases in Buena Vista County District Court on Tuesday, April 21. Ford is charged with abandonment of cats and dogs resulting in serious injury or death, an aggravated misdemeanor, along with two additional counts of abandonment without injury, both simple misdemeanors.

Investigators say the charges stem from an incident believed to have occurred on or around February 1. Authorities report that three dogs were discovered inside a trash bag and left along a gravel road near 110th Street and 500th Street, west of Rembrandt.

Court documents indicate one dog was found dead, while the other two were severely malnourished. Investigators say Ford admitted the dogs were his, knowingly abandoned them, and relinquished responsibility for their care.

All three charges remain pending, and no pleas have been entered.

If convicted, Ford could face up to two years in prison, along with fines, probation, and potential restrictions on future animal ownership.