ADELANTO, Calif. —  A top animal control officer outside of Los Angeles has resigned as he faces charges in the drowning of nearly 50 kittens.

Kevin Murphy, a head of animal control in Adelanto, Calif., was placed on paid leave in March after prosecutors accused the 36-year-old of drowning the kittens over a four-month period. He faces six counts of animal cruelty.

Kathy Williamson of the Victor Valley Animal Protective League said she took in animals that Adelanto Animal Control workers brought her. She said the city paid her $23 to take in a live cat for up to 10 days; $10 to take a dead one.

City Manager Jim Hart on Tuesday said Murphy's resignation was effective May 1. Murphy couldn't be reached for comment.

Adelanto is about 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles.