SAWYER COUNTY -- A couple from Hayward, WI have been sentenced on their charges of animal mistreatment.
Angelita Stevens and Vincent Stevens have been sentenced on their charges stemming from an investigation in 2017 when it was discovered that they were in possession of multiple animals suffering from mistreatment.
Criminal complaints were filed against both Angelita and Vincent in July of 2017 after a puppy was brought into the Animal Care Clinic in Hayward, WI that was infested with hookworms and suffering from lack of care. The individuals who brought the puppy in provided information as to where they had obtained the puppy from. The subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of other dogs at the Stevens’ residence that were underweight. Investigating officers also found at least 2 deceased dogs on the property, infested with maggots.
Both Angelita and Vincent were charged with 3 counts of Class I Felony Mistreatment of Animals, Resulting in the Animal’s Death, and 4 counts of Misdemeanor Mistreating Animals.
Online circuit court records show that Angelita Stevens appeared for a hearing in Sawyer County Circuit Court on November 13, 2018, and plead No Contest to 2 Counts of Class I Felony Mistreatment of Animals/Cause Death and 1 Count of Intentionally Mistreat Animals.
The Court found Angelita guilty and ordered a withheld sentence with 2 years of probation for Angelita with conditions that she maintain absolute sobriety, comply with recommended counseling, and not possess any animals.
Vincent made an appearance on October 17, 2018, and plead No Contest to 2 counts of Intentionally Mistreat Animals and 1 count of Class I Felony Mistreatment of Animals/Cause Death. Online circuit court records show that the Court accepted a 2 year Deferred Sentence Agreement for Vincent on his conviction of Class I Felony Mistreatment of Animals/Cause Death. Vincent will also be subject to 2 years of probation with conditions that he comply with counseling.
In addition, the Court ordered 90 days of County Jail time for both Vincent and Angelita to be imposed and stayed and used as a sanction if they should violate their probation conditions.
The remaining charges filed against Vincent and Angelita were dismissed but read in as part of the plea and sentencing agreements, according to online circuit court records.
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Hayward Couple Faces Charges of Causing Death of an Animals
DrydenWire.com l February 28, 2018
SAWYER COUNTY -- A Hayward, WI couple faces multiple charges of causing the death of an animal by mistreatment, and intentional mistreatment of animals.
According to a criminal complaint filed against Angelita Stevens in Sawyer County Circuit Court, in July 2017, a puppy was brought into the Animal Care Clinic in Hayward, WI. The puppy was infested with hookworms and was suffering from not being taken care of properly. The people who brought in the puppy provided an address on Drytown Avenue where they had obtained the puppy from.
An investigation was conducted by the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Police Department. When officers responded to the residence on Drytown Avenue, they could smell a strong odor of something rotting, or garbage. Officers saw a mother dog and three puppies. All four dogs were underweight, with rib bones and back bones very apparent.
Officers were not able to locate any people when they knocked on the entrance doors of the residence.
The criminal complaint goes on to state that when officers walked around to the backyard of the residence, they found a deceased dog lying in the grass with flies and maggots on it. Inside of a dog house in the backyard, another deceased dog was found, with maggots coming out of its nose, mouth, and eyes. The backyard was infested with feces, flies, and maggots.
Ultimately officers were able to make contact with both Angelita Stevens and Vincent Stevens who had been living at the residence. According to the criminal complaint, Angelita told officers that she had been in and out of the hospital and had asked other family members to care for the dogs. When officers asked Angelita if she had been at the residence within the last couple of weeks, she said yes, however, she told the officers that she had not been aware that there were any dead dogs in the backyard.
The puppy that was first brought in to the Animal Clinic passed away, likely from the hookworm infestation, according to the criminal complaint.
Angelita and Vincent are both charged with 3 counts of Class I Felony Mistreatment of Animals, Resulting in the Animal’s Death, and 4 counts of Misdemeanor Mistreating Animals. Both Angelita and Vincent were placed on bail bonds by the Court with a condition that they are not allowed to possess any pets.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Nov 14, 2018 4:51 pm CST
