Whatever happened to. . . ? #34

The following animal cruelty cases were recently resolved in Orange County:

Dennard, James

2010-CF-008801-B-O

Cruelty to Animals (12 cts)

Defendant & co-Defendant Latosha Tullis' alleged neglect and starvation resulted in the death of two dogs and left several others in exceptionally poor condition

Pled no contest to 9 counts and was adjudicated guilty.  Defendant was sentenced to 51 weeks jail w/credit 109 days time served.

Tullis, Latosha

2010-CF-008801-A-O

Cruelty to Animals (12 cts)

Defendant & co-Defendant James Dennard's alleged neglect and starvation resulted in the death of two dogs and left several others in exceptionally poor condition.

Pled no contest to 2 counts and was adjudicated guilty.  Defendant was sentenced to 1 day in jail w/credit for 1 day time served, 24 months probation, and 75 hours of community service.

Hughey, Harley Edward

2010-CF-008625-A-O

Cruelty to Animals

Defendant allegedly killed his girlfriend's pet rabbit after he was kicked out of her parents' home and camped in woods behind their house - Defendant allegedly threatened to kill her & her family as well

Pled no contest, adjudicated guilty.  Defendant was sentenced to 51 weeks jail w/credit 71 days time served; 3 years probation; anger management; not permitted to possess animals; undergo mental health evaluation/treatment w/in 120 days; and ordered to have no contact w/victim or her family.

Nelson, Justin Randall

2010-CF-009299-A-O

Cruelty to Animals; Confinement of Animals w/o Food/Water

Pled no contest to both counts, adjudication was withheld.  Defendant was sentenced to 6 months jail w/credit 1 day time served; 1 year probation; and 200 hours community service.

Potter, Michael Joseph

2010-CF-003864-A-O

Burglary of Dwelling; Cruelty to Animals

Defendant allegedly bludgeoned his neighbor's puppy with a hammer (the dog had to be euthanized)

Defendant pled no contest to animal cruelty & adjudication was withheld.  Burglary charge was nolle prossed.  Defendant was sentenced to 101 days jail w/credit 101 days time served; 5 yrs probation; and 100 hours community service.

Starkweather, Adrian John

2010-CF-005428-A-O

Cruelty to Animals

Defendant allegedly beat a 4 month old puppy which resulted in severe injury to the puppy's leg

Pled no contest, adjudicated guilty.  Defendant was sentenced to 80 days jail w/credit for 80 days time served; 3 yrs probation

Brezil, Stephen Anthony

2010-CF-015369-A-O

Theft (8cts); Cruelty to Animals (4cts)

Defendant allegedly stole black swans from Lake Eola and posted them for sale on craigslist

Pled no contest to 4 cts of Theft; no action taken on animal cruelty chgs; other counts nolle prossed.  Defendant was sentenced to 1 day jail w/credit 1 day time served; 36 months probation; and 150 hours of community service.

Smart, Geoffre Peter

2011-CF-009730-A-O

Theft; Cause Cruel Death/Pain/Suffering; Grand Larcey of Farm Animal / Aquaculture Species

Defendant allegedly stole a swan from Lake Eola - OPD followed a trail of feathers from the lake to his home to arrest him

No action was taken on animal charges.  Defendant pled to felony theft and was sentenced to 4 days jail w/credit for 4 days time served; 1 year probation; 6 months community control; and 150 hours of community service.

A tale (or tail) of two animal abuse cases

Donald Raymond Lonergan
2010-CF-001346-A-O
Cruelty to Animals
Defendant pled last week to shooting a neighbor's cat in the head with a BB gun.
He was sentenced to 3 days jail with credit for 3 days time served, ordered to complete 2 years probation, Impulse Control and Anger Management classes, have no harmful contact with animals, complete 50 hours of community service, and possess no weapons.
This was a felony case before Judge F. Rand Wallis.
The prosecutor assigned to this case was Katherine Drummond.

Travis Louis George Shaw

2009-MM-001307-A-W

Confinement of Animals w/o Food/Water

Cruelty to Animals

Ocoee PD served a warrant on 9/16/09 and found Shye (pictured below with her new owner, Animal Services Officer Laura Tuttle) and two other dogs in a dark, blazing hot garage covered in feces and urine with no ventilation, no food and no water. The dogs were starving and were eating the gym equipment in the garage to try to survive. There were claw and teeth marks on the doors from the dogs trying to escape their conditions. The animals were covered in sores and fleas, emaciated, dehydrated and Shye had cigarette burns on her.

The other two dogs, Lexie and Ice, declined in health and had to be euthanized. Shye was adopted by Animal Services' investigating officer, Laura Tuttle.

Shaw was convicted of both misdemeanor counts today and sentenced to 6 months jail on each charge - to be served consecutively - by Judge Nancy L. Clark.

This is another case where we see the link between animal cruelty cases and other abuse.

Shaw is currently awaiting trial (scheduled for June 14, 2010) on charges from 9/11/09 of Attempted 1st Degree Murder w/Firearm, Aggravated Child Abuse, Aggravated Battery, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Throw Deadly Missile at or Within Building, Aggravated Assault w/Firearm and False Info to Law Enforcement Officer re: Missing Person or Felony.

Kudos to Orange County Animal Services, Assistant State's Attorney Rafael Rodriguez, and Judge Nancy L. Clark.

Animal Abuse Cases in Court

Laszlo Arsenio Horvath
2009-CF-011232-A-O
Cruelty to Animals
Defendant allegedly sexually assaulted his dog, which had to euthanized.
Defendant pled March 24, 2010 and was sentenced to 3 years probation. Adjudication of guilt was withheld!

Darin Thomas Christopher
2010-CF-002622-A-O
Cruelty to Animals; Battery on Person 65+ yrs old; Battery DV; ROWOV (2cts)
Defendant allegedly hit victim's dog several times in head & jaw, told her he would rip its ear off & make her eat it, and then threatened to kill her. Dog's jaw was broken & 2 teeth knocked out.
Trial scheduled for June 28, 2010.

Michael Joseph Potter
2010-CF-003864-A-O
Cause Cruel Death/Pain/Suffering (animal abuse)
Defendant allegedly bludgeoned his neighbor's puppy with a hammer (the dog had to be euthanized)
Arrested 3/22/10 - no court dates yet.

John Patrick Crimins, Jr.
2009-CF-018633-A-O
Attempted 1st Degree Murder; Aggravated Battery GBH (2cts); Trespass; Cruelty to Animals
Defendant allegedly slashed his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend (who lost 5 fingers) with a knife. The couple's 4-yr old child witnessed the attack. We are uncertain as to the nature of the animal abuse charge.
Trial scheduled for June 1, 2010.

Frank L Nibbs
2009-CF-015086-A-O
Cruelty to Animals
Defendant allegedly entered victim's property and used a pipe to beat her 7-mo old puppy in front of her & her son - the dog sustained a broken jaw, chin, and lost an eye.
Trial scheduled for April 19, 2010.

Emmanuel Lara
2008-CF-019506-A-O
Aggravated Battery Pregnant Person; Cruelty to Animals (9cts); Cause Cruel Death/Pain/Suffering
Details not known.
Defendant pled December 2009 and was sentenced to 15 years Department of Corrections and ordered to have a psych evaluation.

Christopher M Comins
2008-CF-017830-A-O
Cruelty to Animals (2cts)
Defendant was videotaped as he shot 2 siberian huskies (w/the property owner's permission) that were allegedly attacking a baby calf near Lake Nona - video was posted on youtube. The dog owner lived several miles away and allegedly left the animals free to roam. At the status hearing on 4/14, defendant rejected the opportunity to plead to two misdemeanors. Trial is scheduled for 8/16/10.


Click here to view the other animal cruelty felony cases we're following.

Central Florida Agencies Take a Stand Against Animal Cruelty

Successful “Cruelty Hurts” Campaign Achieves Major Results by Second Year

ORLANDO, Fla.—April 1, 2010—Today marks the start of Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, as well as the second anniversary of Orange County Animal Services’ “Cruelty Hurts” campaign aimed at educating Orange County citizens about animal cruelty and its link to human violence. Since kicking off last year in partnership with Crimeline of Central Florida, the campaign has integrated new partners into a community-wide approach to prevent and prosecute animal crimes.

CourtWatch Florida has recently signed on to track and publicize felony animal cruelty cases in Orange County through its WatchList blog and “Weekly WatchList” e-newsletter.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the response, both from partners and from the public to stand up for innocent animals that are subjected to unconscionable cruelty,” said Katherine Lockett, Division Manager of Animal Services. “Studies show animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people, so we are proud to be leading this effort to keep our community safe.”

Since partnering one year ago, Crimeline and Orange County Animal Services have achieved remarkable results. With 97 tips to date, the relationship has yielded multiple confiscations of severely neglected animals, a multi-county cockfighting investigation and a felony arrest for animal cruelty that paid a $600 reward.

“Now that people can report these types of crimes completely anonymously by calling 800-423-TIPS, and potentially receive a cash reward for doing the right thing, we’ve seen a tenfold increase in the number of anonymous tips,” said Barbara Bergin, Executive Director of Crimeline. “Animals lives were saved by people who cared enough to call, and that’s exactly what we set out to do.”

Animal Services and Harbor House of Central Florida joined together in 2009. Focused on “The Link,”—a term trademarked by American Humane, which illustrates the relationship between animal cruelty, child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse—the organizations are working to increase awareness about The Link, create the first Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS) Program in Central Florida and provide first-responder transport to animal victims of domestic violence.

“We’re thrilled about creating an innovative program for animal victims of domestic violence in Orange County, and we’re confident our partnership with Animal Services will save lives and keep families together,” said Carol Wick, Chief Executive Officer of Harbor House.

Beginning in April 2010, Animal Services partnered with CourtWatch Florida to track and publicize felony animal cruelty cases in Orange County. The non-profit organization, which currently monitors domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse hearings, was a natural fit because of The Link between animal cruelty and other domestic crimes.

“It is time perpetrators of animal cruelty are treated like the criminals they are by the courts, and we’re glad to be a part of the process to ensure that happens,” said Laura Williams, Executive Director of CourtWatch.


In addition, Animal Services has been working with local law enforcement to foster collaboration, much like its positive relationship with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office whereby the agencies cooperatively handle the civil and criminal aspects of investigations. Its trainings with Orlando Police Department and Ocoee Police Department have proved successful. Following Animal Services’ training with Ocoee Police Department, the agency made two significant felony animal cruelty arrests.

Animal Services also recently completed Continuing Legal Education (CLE) training for the State Attorney’s Office.

“Last year, we conducted 3,486 investigations of animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment,” said Lockett. “Our efforts are working towards getting these crimes reported, getting animals to safety, and ensuring criminals are brought to justice. That keeps our entire community safer.”

For more information about the campaign, click here.


About Orange County Animal Services
Orange County Animal Services is Central Florida’s largest pet rescue and adoption centers. Last year alone, Animal Services received nearly 24,000 animals at its shelter. For 40 years, the agency’s mission has been to protect pets and people in Orange County through courteous enforcement of the Orange County Code. Its vision is to give abandoned and neglected pets a second chance to live long, healthy lives in safe, loving homes. For more about Orange County Animal Services, visit their website.


About Crimeline
Central Florida Crimeline is an anonymous tip line answered 24 hours a day by live operators. All tipsters are kept completely anonymous. Crimeline does not trap, trace, record or have caller ID. If a tip leads to solving a felony case, the tipster may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Crimeline accepts anonymous tips at 800-423-8477 and via their website.

About Harbor House
Harbor House provides safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, emotional support and legal advocacy for thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children each year. Harbor House also prepares survivors for re-entry into the community—connecting them to resources that will enable them to live independently, safely and peacefully. Harbor House is Orange County's only state-certified domestic violence facility. Its 24-Hour Crisis Hotline is (407) 886-2856 (TDD) or (800) 500-1119 (FL). For more information, visit their website.

About CourtWatch Florida
CourtWatch Florida began as a subcommittee of the Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force and was incorporated in 2007. CourtWatch monitors domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse cases to make sure the system holds perpetrators accountable and doesn't re-victimize the victims. CourtWatch is a member of the National Association of Court Monitoring Programs. Its first training class was held in April 2007, and it has now trained over 150 volunteers as CourtWatchers and monitored in excess of 7,000 hearings. For more information, or to register for weekly emails to stay apprised of cruelty cases, visit our website.

Domestic Violence & Animal Abuse in Orange County

The Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force (OCDVTF) meets each month at the courthouse to exchange ideas, network with member agencies, and discuss ways to address the issue of DV in our community.

At today's meeting, a fascinating presentation by Orange Co Animal Services (OCAS) was on the agenda. The Shannon Burke case in Seminole County has spotlighted the correlation between DV and animal abuse in a dramatic fashion. But prior to the Burke shooting incident, Harbor House and OCAS were working on a collaborative effort to train Animal Services' officers to look for signs of DV when investigating cruelty, neglect and abandonment cases. I was astounded to learn that:

• Up to 75% of domestic violence victims report that their partners threatened or killed family pets
• 48% of victims delay leaving an abusive home because they do not have a safe place for their pets
• One million animals per year are abused or killed in connection with domestic violence nationally
• 32% of pet-owning victims of DV reported that their child had hurt or killed a pet (this statistic demonstrates with chilling vividness how DV is a learned behavior)
• Animal abusers are 5 times more likely to commit violent crimes against people
• Animal abusers are 4 times more likely to commit property crimes
• 70% of animal abusers had records for other crimes

There were 4,106 animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment investigations in Orange County last year. This year's trend is showing a 15% increase over last year. OCAS began partnering with Crimeline earlier this year, resulting in abuse & neglect reports tripling in the first month of the partnership.

Orange County Animal Services and Harbor House are working to build an animal shelter on-site at Harbor House. The goal is to remove the barrier for victims who remain in an abusive situation because they know their abuser will harm their pet. OCAS is also working on a program to provide transportation for animals when victims seek shelter at Harbor House for themselves and their children - something that no other organization in the country provides. To support this worthwhile endeavor, please contact Harbor House.

Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble. Statistically, 80% of homes with abused pets also had investigations by child welfare agencies due to reports of physical abuse and neglect. It is therefore crucial for all of us to report suspected animal abuse and neglect.