The case came to light when a concerned friend of Hanes reached out to law enforcement in December. This friend had been alerted by Hanes’ former long-distance partner, who shared explicit video content believed to be evidence of the abuse.

During the investigation, officers verified that the incriminating footage was indeed created by Hanes within his residence, matching the surroundings seen in the video to his current home.

Further insights from the arrest report revealed that Hanes’ ex-partner disclosed disturbing details about his behavior. Hanes had reportedly expressed a sexual interest in dogs and had previously circulated similar explicit videos through Telegram, a messaging platform.

According to the arrest report, Hanes’ ex revealed that Hanes had disclosed a sexual interest in dogs and previously shared similar explicit videos over Telegram, a messaging app.

Two dogs, including one believed to be in the video, were found in Hanes’ home. They were removed and taken to a local animal shelter for examination and any necessary treatment.

Hanes is being charged with one count of animal cruelty via sexual contact and is being held on a $2,500 bond.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, people convicted of similar animal cruelty and abuse charges in Florida will be listed in a statewide database. The new database was created under Dexter’s Law, which was approved in 2025