Crime & Public Safety
Seminole deputies say intentional fire in Geneva died 15 dogs
A house fire in Geneva that investigators say was intentionally set died 15 dogs, Seminole County authorities reported. Deputies allege the homeowner poured gasoline in multiple rooms and ignited it; an arrest report states the suspect admitted pouring gasoline on the floor in every room and using a lighter to ignite it. Investigators initially found six deceased dogs after the blaze and located seven more the following day; two additional dogs that had been taken to Seminole County Animal Services died overnight, bringing the confirmed total to 15.
Seminole County deputies arrested 40-year-old Terrance Banks and charged him with 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of second-degree arson. He appeared in court where a judge ordered a mental health evaluation at the jail and prohibited him from possessing animals. The sheriff’s office says Banks remains in the Seminole County jail, held without bond on the arson charge and with bond set at $5,000 for each animal cruelty count.
Officials say Seminole County Animal Services took in surviving dogs; two remain in the shelter’s care in Sanford with burn injuries visible on video, and one dog was reported at large as crews searched to rescue it. The sheriff’s office also identified Facebook Live videos recorded by Banks after the fire as part of the investigation.
Banks’ attorney has asserted he was experiencing a serious mental health episode and may have been hallucinating; that claim is reported by the attorney and noted in court filings. An arraignment date was scheduled by the court.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.