California woman with criminal background arrested after 27 horses found dead on her properties

(Animal Services Officers rescuing the horses that they could)

On January 22, deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office along with our Animal Services officers executed a search warrant in Clements, California, regarding an ongoing animal neglect investigation. Multiple properties were searched. During the operation, several malnourished horses were discovered on the premises with limited access to any food or water and approximately 27 deceased horses were located.

Animal Services Officers, along with veterinarians who were at the scene, immediately began to triage and evaluate the condition of the horses. After thorough assessments, 16 horses were rescued and are now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue who will ensure that the rescued horses receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, four horses and one bull had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect. Animal services officers and veterinarians are still currently evaluating additional horses and animals due to the size of the property.

Trailers have been coming and going from this property near #Clements all day. Yesterday, deputies discovered 27 dead and at least 90 malnourished horses here. The woman charged with animal cruelty and making threats in the case has been released on bail.
Story on @ABC10 at 6. pic.twitter.com/LKaq8CfyNw

— Gabriel Porras (@Gabriel_Porras_) January 24, 2025

The woman who owns the farms, 62-year-old Jan Johnson of Clements was arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County jail for the following charges:

• Cruelty to an animal,
• Threatening a public official,
• Criminal threats, and
• Possession of a short-barrel shotgun

Criminal background revealed:  Jan Johnson is no stranger to local law enforcement.  According to CBS News, Johnson had a plea deal related to a financial elder abuse case more than a decade ago, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators are still looking into whether or not that money was used by Johnson to purchase horses.  The sheriff’s office also said that Johnson had a warrant out for her arrest for allegedly making threats to a school, employees and officers. 

For the latest on this extreme case of animal neglect and cruelty, see the video accompanying this article.

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(Source and all images: San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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