Authorities say a Gorham man already facing an animal cruelty charge was found in violation of a court order after deputies discovered multiple dogs at his residence during a search tied to an ongoing investigation.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office said 55-year-old Ralph E. Priest was arrested following a criminal contempt investigation that stemmed from a 911 complaint alleging he was harboring dogs despite being ordered by a judge not to possess any animals.
According to the press release, the order had been issued in November 2025 by Seneca Town Court Judge Hood while Priest’s underlying animal cruelty case — tied to an October 2025 incident on Route 5&20 — remained pending.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Priest’s residence on County Road 29 in Gorham on March 30 at about 5:15 p.m., where they located four dogs living in a camper on the property. The Ontario County Humane Society took custody of the animals for evaluation and care.
Authorities said the discovery led to Priest being charged with criminal contempt in the second degree for allegedly violating the court order. He also faces additional charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and operating a vehicle without insurance, after deputies reported observing him driving.
Officials said Priest will appear in Gorham Town Court at a later date to answer the charges. He has since relinquished ownership of the dogs, which will be made available for adoption once cleared by the Humane Society.
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