Sasha Marie Smith, founder of Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance Dog Rescue, was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on 39 counts of animal cruelty Saturday, Nov. 7, with bond set at $4.6 million.

Smith, 38, is the second person arrested in a widening investigation that began when Tulsa police and animal control officers discovered approximately 19 dead dogs and 22 living but malnourished dogs at a home near 12th Street and Memorial Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

As we reported Nov. 5, adoption coordinator Marcia Reynolds, 44, was arrested that night on 29 counts of animal cruelty. Her bond was set at $580,000.

Smith's bond was set at $120,000 per count, according to the Broken Arrow Sentinel. Officers said the animals at her residence had visible bone structures. Tulsa Animal Services removed them.

The 39 counts represent the total number of dogs meeting statutory cruelty criteria across both properties, FOX 23 reported. The Tulsa County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case before officers established probable cause for the arrest.

The charges against both Smith and Reynolds are allegations. Neither has been convicted.

How the case unfolded

Animal control officers went to the rescue's location near 12th and Memorial on Nov. 4 to investigate suspected animal cruelty, according to Tulsa police. Officers noticed a strong odor and heavy fly activity around the windows.

Conditions outside the home raised concerns that a person may have died inside, police said. The Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) was called to help gain entry. As firefighters prepared to breach the front door, Reynolds opened it and told officers she had not heard their commands because she was wearing headphones, according to police.

Inside, officers found what authorities described as severe biohazardous conditions: trash, animal feces and urine, with metal crates stacked throughout multiple rooms. Authorities said they found 22 living dogs and two living cats, along with approximately 19 deceased dogs.

In coverage published Nov. 5, Capt. Richard Meulenberg told KJRH, "So when we went inside for a safety check, and when we went inside, we noticed the conditions were absolutely deplorable."

Reynolds told investigators she lived at the home full-time and attributed the animals' deaths to summer heat and a lack of air conditioning, police said. The deaths had not been reported to authorities.

Second property searched

During a follow-up investigation on Nov. 5, Tulsa Animal Services investigators confirmed additional animals at a second location police described as a residence leased by the rescue's owner. Officers obtained a search warrant and found 14 dogs and one cat living in what they described as severely neglected conditions, according to FOX 23 and News On 6.

Police said they found metal crates stacked throughout the home with dried feces and urine. Dogs had ribs showing and sores. Several were roaming with no access to food or water. Animal control removed the animals for care and evaluation.

Smith relinquished ownership of the animals, according to News On 6. Officers located her Saturday, Nov. 7, and took her into custody without incident.

Tulsa Animal Services closed on Nov. 5 to handle the influx of animals, and the Humane Society of Tulsa stepped in to offer veterinary care, according to News On 6.

No public statement from Smith, an attorney on her behalf, or the rescue organization appears in available reports. The investigation remains active as authorities review records and evidence collected from the properties.

Residents who suspect animal cruelty can contact Tulsa Animal Services at 918-596-8001 or Tulsa police at 918-596-9222.