Owner of featured pet sitting service charged with marijuana trafficking
Katie Yates, one of the owners of a pet sitting service featured in the Feb. 24 editions of The Laker and Lutz News, was charged with the manufacture of marijuana last October after Pasco County deputies raided a home she rented and confiscated 70 plants and 6 pounds of packaged marijuana. The Land O’ Lakes home was located in the gated community of Plantation Palms.
Yates’ husband, Robert, also a partner in All About Love Pet Sitting & Transportation, was arrested with his wife on Oct. 14. According to court records, marijuana trafficking charges against Robert Yates were dropped Nov. 18.
Katie Yates’ case is still pending a final hearing. She pled not guilty to the manufacture of marijuana on Dec. 8 and is currently enrolled in a court-ordered drug treatment program. Her next court appearance, a status check, was March 1.
When reporting on the couple’s pet sitting service, the staff of The Laker and Lutz News was unaware of the Yates’ arrests and Katie Yates’ subsequent felony charge.
Katie Yates gave the following statement regarding this situation to The Laker and Lutz News:
“I feel that it is very unfortunate that after all the good I am contributing to the community that my past has to be brought to light in this manner. The charges brought against me last October in no way, shape, or form defines my character, morals, values, or how I conduct my business.
“I might have regrettably made mistakes in the past, as I believe we all have in some way or another. Nobody is perfect. But learning from our mistakes helps to shape our character and grow as individuals. I have definitely learned a lot from my past and I am blessed because of it. I have now created a successful business and provide a valuable service for our community.
I am an active member of my church and I belong to a homeless outreach program which helps feed 125-200 people weekly. I am proud of the woman I have become. I am a person of faith and I believe in the power of forgiving others for things that I might consider to be wrong. I pray that the community also shares this belief in forgiveness and second chances.”
