Peaceable Farm owner's bail request deferred

Emotions remain high in over the case of the Orange County woman accused of letting dozens of animals die under her watch. Hawes Spencer has this report.

After a key witness left the courthouse Friday afternoon without testifying, the judge decided to keep Anne Shumate Williams in jail for at least two more weeks. And that's alright with veterinarian Anna Russau.

"I think that this was probably a win for the people in Virginia that are in support of the animals that died at her hands, and that we really oppose her getting out of jail."

Last fall, authorities charged Williams with 27 cruelty counts after finding dozens of dead and starving animals at her non-profit animal shelter, Peaceable Farm. More recently, she's been charged with felony embezzlement. However, friend and housemate Angus Green came to vouch for her.

"I think she's a wonderful person, and I hope this will be over soon."

The prosecutor claims that Williams is spending $25,000 a month, and he'll get his chance to prove that April 21st, when the bail hearing resumes. For WCVE News, Hawes Spencer in Orange.

PHOTO: Williams remains incarcerated in Orange County. (Hawes Spencer; mugshot) #