A Nevada man already facing charges in the alleged torture and killing of a kitten in San Francisco has been arrested again after investigators uncovered new allegations involving additional animals in Nevada.

According to authorities, William Ohlson, 33, was taken into custody in Reno after failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing in California. Police arrested him on outstanding warrants, and prosecutors have since filed new animal cruelty-related charges, including animal abuse, animal neglect, and obstruction of justice.

The latest investigation alleges that, after the San Francisco case, Ohlson obtained two more kittens—identified by rescuers as Haven and Nola—through an adoption event organized by Biggest Little Cat Rescue at a PetSmart store in Nevada. According to investigators, the adoption application described the kittens as a birthday surprise for his girlfriend. Rescue officials later said they were unaware Ohlson had previously been placed on a “Do Not Adopt” list.

Authorities allege that one of the kittens, Haven, was later found dead in a dumpster near Ohlson’s residence, while the whereabouts of Nola remain unknown. Investigators are continuing to search for evidence related to the missing kitten and have urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.

The new allegations come just weeks after Ohlson was accused of fatally abusing a kitten inside the vestibule of a San Francisco bank ATM. Surveillance footage from that case prompted a widespread investigation and public outrage. After failing to appear in court, a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Reno police later located him and arrested him after authorities say he attempted to evade officers before being taken into custody.

Court records also show that Ohlson has a prior criminal history involving animal abuse. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to attempting to kill a kitten and was allowed to participate in a court-supervised rehabilitation program. Prosecutors now argue that the latest allegations demonstrate a troubling pattern of repeated animal cruelty.

Animal rescue organizations have expressed shock that Ohlson was able to adopt more kittens despite previous concerns, prompting renewed calls for stronger information-sharing between shelters and rescue groups to prevent animals from being placed with individuals accused of abuse.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as authorities continue reviewing evidence from both California and Nevada. As with all criminal cases, William Ohlson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: New York Post