Authorities say a Mineola man beat and tortured several cats and kittens before throwing their bodies away in the garbage.

Police say Justin Visconti, 37, is responsible for the deaths of three kittens and one cat that were found near the trash chute of his apartment building on Lincoln Avenue.

Authorities say they suffered blunt force trauma and their bodies were bound with duct tape before being placed in bed sheets or cardboard boxes – then discarded.

According to court documents, the animals were discovered Monday morning by workers in the building.

The workers told police that this was the third time in the last three or four weeks that dead cats were discovered in the garbage. Investigators say they believe Visconti tortured animals on multiple occasions.

Visconti is being charged with four felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty under the state's Agriculture and Markets law. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison.

Animal advocates say the penalty should be more severe.

It's unclear where Visconti got the animals from. Detectives say they may have been strays.

At his arraignment, Visconti was held on $40,000 bond. The judge ordered that he cannot own or possess any animals until this case is concluded.

Investigators say they may find more dead animals, and in that case Visconti could face additional charges.

Police say Visconti has a lengthy criminal record, including one prior felony conviction.