Bailey Michael Hobbs, a former seasonal employee with Louisa County Public Schools who faced multiple counts related to sexual abuse of an animal, is now serving jail time following his sentencing in Louisa Circuit Court.

Hobbs previously worked as an assistant in the Louisa County High School (LCHS) theater department. He was arrested on the LCHS campus in April 2025 without incident after authorities executed a search warrant at his Louisa residence. During the investigation, several electronic devices were seized for forensic examination. While no evidence of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) was found, investigators did discover illegal images depicting animals engaged in sexual acts.

During court proceedings held April 17, the Honorable Judge Timothy K. Sanner noted that aspects of the case may have been misleading, including the wording of the charges on the indictment itself, and acknowledged the defendant’s frustration regarding public perception. Sanner clarified that the charges did not involve physical sexual abuse of animals, but were limited to possession of images.

Hobbs testified that he began viewing bestiality-related material while attending Longwood University during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a coping mechanism for stress and a “lapse in judgment.” He also stated that his experience working at an animal shelter has given him a greater respect for animals and that there is “no sexual interest there.” Sources indicate Hobbs also contributed at the Louisa County Animal Shelter prior to attending college.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert M. Wood responded to Hobbs’ statements regarding working with animals as a form of rehabilitation.

“That’s good that you realized that, but it’s almost like an alcoholic working at a bar, is it not?” Wood stated rhetorically.

Wood also presented findings from a psychosexual evaluation conducted by forensic psychologist Dr. Nelson, which indicated that Hobbs reported an alternative sexual lifestyle and had an “above average” risk of becoming a repeat offender.

Hobbs confirmed during testimony that he had alternative sexual fetishes, but stated they did not involve minors “whatsoever.” He added that the bestiality searches were a phase during his college years and that he is in a better place and open to further treatment.

“I just needed a change of scenery and solid ground…I would also like to get back into theater,” Hobbs stated.

Wood challenged that characterization, citing evidence gathered during the investigation that Hobbs visited three dozen websites with content related to bestiality.

“This wasn’t an ‘oops, I stumbled upon it’, you were proactively searching for it,” Wood stated. “This is an atypical fetish and might open the gates to more serious allegations down the road.”

Defense attorney Bryan Jones acknowledged that Hobbs’ behavior may fall outside typical norms, but argued that no one was harmed and characterized the conduct as a phase.

“When given freedom at colleges, people tend to experiment,” Jones stated.

Wood disputed that claim. “That’s not an accurate description of college students across the country,” Wood said.

Following testimony, Sanner described the case as unusual and explained that, although no direct harm occurred, the act of searching for and possessing such material contributes to the distribution and existence of the market. He also stated that he did not believe Hobbs had fully accepted responsibility.

“I heard you say you took accountability, but there’s nothing in these reports to suggest that,” Sanner stated.

Sanner sentenced Hobbs to three years in prison, with two years suspended. Hobbs was also ordered to serve five years of supervised probation following his release. Other conditions include the submission of his DNA into a database and a prohibition on possessing any animals.

Hobbs was taken into custody immediately following sentencing and will serve one year of active incarceration.