Monmouth Man Trapped and Ate Small Animals, Police Say

Dead squirrels and raccoons behind a building results in an animal cruelty count against a suspect in Monmouth County's Ocean Township.

Aleksandr Bavykin, 30, was charged following an investigation that began with a report of animal carcasses behind an Oak Mews Court complex on October 11, township police said.

He's also charged with illegal possession and illegal use of a leg hold trap, hunting out of season and hunting without a license.

Officer John Hanna relayed the discovery to Detective Michael Melody and Conservation Officer Sean McManus.

Their investigation led them to the conclusion that Bavykin was capturing the animals with leg hold traps, then butchering, cooking and eating them and leaving the remains behind, police said.

Bavykin was released on a complaint summons and awaits a municipal court hearing.