March 20, 2025 at 2:29 PM The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office would like to clarify that the search that led to the arrests of Rita and Roy Cox was incorrectly classified as a routine “probation” search. The defendants were not on probation, but Rita Cox was subject to court ordered conditions and searchable terms based on her current Own Recognizance (OR) release from her prior case.
Grass Valley, CA – Rita Marie Cox, 48, and Roy Aaron Cox, 42, both of Grass Valley, were arrested again on animal cruelty-related charges by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Animal Control officers on March 18, 2025, for allegedly depriving animals of sustenance or causing needless suffering – 597(B) PC. Rita Cox received an additional arrest charge for violating a court order – 166(A)(4) PC.
As part of her pre-existing and open animal cruelty case from 2022 that has court proceedings this month, Rita Cox was released on her Own Recognizance (OR) with search terms, including the condition she may not have any animals under her control or possession (other than two dogs belonging to a caretaker, which may not be under her care).
On March 18, two NCSO Animal Control officers and two NCSO deputies conducted a routine probation search of her residence, located in the 10000 block of Dana Ct. in Grass Valley. Eighteen dogs were found to be living in deplorable conditions inside and outside of the property, which included urine-soaked carpets, an abundance of fecal matter on the floor and on furniture, lack of access to clean water and food, and insufficient shelter, among other safety hazards and quality of life concerns.
The couple was arrested on the aforementioned charges and transported to Wayne Brown Correctional Facility without incident.
All 18 dogs, which varied in breeds and in ages from newly born to adults, were seized and transported to Sammie’s Friends, a local animal shelter, for care and treatment. It is anticipated that some of the puppies will be eligible for adoption in the near future. Interested parties may contact Sammie’s Friends directly to inquire at (530) 471-5041.