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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Man arrested multiple times for animal cruelty indicted on five new counts

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / David Eck leaves the courtroom of Judge Lila Statom in the Hamilton County Courts Building on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / David Eck leaves the courtroom of Judge Lila Statom in the Hamilton County Courts Building on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / David Eck leaves the courtroom of Judge Lila Statom in the Hamilton County Courts Building on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

A Hamilton County man repeatedly arrested on accusations of trespassing, animal abuse and other charges was arrested again Thursday, following a Hamilton County grand jury indictment.

David Eck faces five new charges of animal cruelty in Hamilton County Criminal Court, the indictment said. The charges were tied to the discovery of five dead goats in a storm drain near a grocery store in September 2025.

(READ MORE: Hamilton County man faces new cruelty charge after more animals seized off Suck Creek Road property)

Eck, also known as “Capt. Dave,” has been arrested on charges of aggravated criminal trespassing at a property off Suck Creek Road. Investigators seized dozens of neglected animals from Eck, according to arrest reports.

Eck allegedly had a ritualistic habit of purchasing livestock at animal auctions, according to an arrest report written by Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy Amanda Lane.