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Prince George’s County Police Department Corporal DAVID ACOSTA charged for mistreating two dogs

- Maryland, USA -

 

The Prince George’s County Police Department has charged Corporal DAVID ACOSTA (pictured), a Canine Section officer, with a total of four counts of animal cruelty stemming from the mistreatment of two dogs assigned to him.

 

An initial press release by the police, announced that ACOSTA had been charged with three counts of animal cruelty, one of which is a felony, in connection with the mistreatment of a two-year-old bloodhound named Daisy. In an update, police advised that ACOSTA is additionally facing a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty in reference to a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois named Spartacus.  

 

According to police, on July 14, 2024, the department suspended ACOSTA “for an unrelated incident.” As part of that suspension process, Daisy and Spartacus were removed by two Canine Section handlers. After the furvictims were picked up, “the handlers observed injuries related to an e-collar on Daisy’s neck. She was brought to a veterinarian for treatment. Daisy also had other medical conditions that required medical care”, stated the release.

 

The Internal Affairs Division then launched an investigation that ultimately resulted in the charges being filed against ACOSTA.

  

Police said that ACOSTA joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in 2006. He’s  currently assigned to the Special Operations Division. He will be suspended without pay.

 

Meanwhile, Daisy and Spartacus have been permanently removed from ACOSTA’s care and have been reassigned to two veteran handlers within the section. Thankfully, Daisy is fine and the police said she is back at work.

 

Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz said in a statement: “This situation involving Daisy is appalling. She is a part of the PGPD family. I expect that all of our handlers treat their canine partners with the utmost care and concern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first incident of animal mistreatment in the 60-year history of the Canine Section. We have now put new policies into place with the intention of this being both the first and last. This investigation is in the early stages and will be thorough. I too want to know how this occurred. In the meantime, I’m glad to report that Daisy is doing well and back to work. Bloodhounds play a crucial role in our agency’s service to the community, primarily with assisting in searches for missing people.”

 

This remains an active internal investigation. Anyone who has information relevant to this investigation is urged to contact the Internal Affairs Division at (301) - 516 - 5721. Thank you!

  

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Prince George’s County Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

  



 

JUSTIN UZONNA ANABARAONYE and PAUL THOMAS BAYLOR III arrested after charred dogs found in burn pile

- Maryland, USA -

 

The Allegany County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 18-years-old JUSTIN UZONNA ANABARAONYE and 19-years-old PAUL THOMAS BAYLOR III (pictured).

 

On March 12, 2024, Allegany County Animal Control contacted the sheriff’s office regarding an animal cruelty complaint. Animal Control Officers showed deputies pictures which appeared to be the charred remains of dogs. An investigation was then launched.

 

As part of the investigations, officials obtained and executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 13000 block of Tulip Street in Cumberland.

 

The search of a wooded area on the property led to the discovery of seven (7) “charred remains of various dog breeds in what appeared to be a burn pile”, stated a press release by the sheriff’s office.

Additionally, “the skeletal remains of numerous other dogs were located throughout the property grounds.”

 

A K9 team with the Office of the State Fire Marshal assisted the sheriff’s office, and it was determined that the dogs were burned using an accelerant. The remains of the Voiceless Victims were taken to the Humane Society of the United States to determine the cause of death.

 

ANABARAONYE and BAYLOR were arrested in connection with this case and booked into the Allegany County Detention Center.

 

ANABARAONYE was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty, while BAYLOR was charged with four counts of animal cruelty.

 

Court records show that the pair are expected back at Allegany District Court on the morning of Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:00.       

 

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.

 

Voice For Us disclaimer: This story is sourced from the official press release by the Allegany County Sheriff's Office.

Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 

 

Mugshots shared from the Allegany County Sheriff's Office.




KIERRA LATRICE STURGIS and LEMOND LYDELL WILLIAMS SR arrested for animal cruelty and neglect

- Maryland, USA -


The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 31-years-old KIERRA LATRICE STURGIS and 47-years-old LEMOND LYDELL WILLIAMS SR (both pictured – via Facebook).


In a media release, the sheriff's office said that on October 2, 2023, Worcester County Animal Control responded to a property in the 500 block of Bonneville Avenue in Pocomoke after receiving an animal complaint.


On the front porch of the residence, officers saw a crate with two dogs inside. Sadly, one of them was deceased.


The investigation and evidence at the scene indicated that there were more neglected dogs but STURGIS and WILLIAMS, the residents, refused to meet with animal control officers.


The sheriff’s office said that with the assistance of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, a search and seize warrant was authored and approved.


Once inside the property, officers found two more dogs. According to the release, the furvictims were “extremely emaciated and in poor condition.” There was no food or water for the poor souls.


Worcester County Animal Control removed the Voiceless Victims who are now being treated by a veterinarian.


STURGIS and WILLIAMS were charged with thirty-six (36) counts of animal cruelty and animal neglect, including four (4) felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty.


Online records show that STURGIS and WILLIAMS are being held at the Worcester County Detention Center without bond and are awaiting trial.

According to court records, STURGIS and WILLIAMS are expected to appear at Worcester District Court on December 29, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Gerald V. Purnell.


Authorities did not disclose the name of the deceased furbaby, so I took the liberty of naming him/her Aster for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Link included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.







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