The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announces today’s arraignment of 47-year-old Maurice Cosby Smith of Stockton at the San Joaquin County Courthouse. Smith was formally charged with multiple felony animal cruelty charges and weapons charges.

On July 16, 2024, Smith was arrested at his home by the Stockton Police Department which initiated an investigation on June 28, 2024, after a witness reported that he fired a BB gun at his dog while it was inside a cage. The witness reported that these incidents happened on three separate days between June 21 and June 28. The witness was able to capture video recordings of Smith firing the BB gun into the dog’s corral.

At the time of Smith’s arrest, officers discovered he had a Glock 17 handgun and two ammunition magazines. Smith is a prohibited person due to a felony conviction of substance possession for sale in 2005.

Officers found that the dog appeared to have injuries consistent with being shot at with a BB gun.

The dog was seized and brought to a veterinarian who recovered 11 BBs during surgery. The dog is recovering and will be rehomed by a shelter.

Smith was charged with the following:

• 3 counts felony animal abuse: PC 597(a) Malicious and intentional cruelty to an animal.
• 3 counts felony animal abuse: PC 597(b) Torturing/inflicting needless cruelty to an animal.
• 1 count PC 29800(a)(1) Felon in possession of a firearm
• 1 count PC 30305(a)(1) Felon in possession of ammunition.

Further arraignment is scheduled for Aug.16 in Department 8B at the San Joaquin County Courthouse.