These charges stem from an arrest on Feb. 14, 2013 in which three dogs were seized from the Hunts Creek Road residence that Charles Sheldon shares with his girlfriend, who did not disclose her name, and his three daughters.
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| Thirty-eight year old Charles Sheldon and his unidentified live-in girlfriend depart the Town of Nichols court following a 45-minute arraignment hearing. |
The dogs, according to Stray Haven Humane Society's Humane Officer Cindy Webster, were all chained outside without proper shelter, food or water, and one of the dogs, who is deceased, was found in an emaciated state and frozen to the ground.
It was the deceased dog that resulted in the felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. The other two dogs, which according to Webster were tied out without appropriate shelter or food, were immediately seized, and the deceased dog's remains were dug out of the frozen ground and sent for a necropsy.
Webster was alerted to the situation with the dogs by an anonymous caller, and discovered these conditions upon investigation. A warrant was issued for seizure of the animals, which took place at the Hunts Creek Road residence on Valentine's Day.
The court procedure for Charles Sheldon began Tuesday with the arraignment hearing, in which the accused arrived with his live-in girlfriend who did not identify herself, only stating that she is employed at Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols, N.Y. Charles Sheldon, during the arraignment hearing, noted that he is unemployed, with his last job being held in 1997 where he performed factory work in Arkansas. He also noted that his three daughters live in his home.
Justice Quick took time to explain each of the charges filed, further noting that the Felony charge, if her were found guilty, carries with it a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed two years.
Charles Sheldon began to offer an explanation that the dog had been deceased for a month, and that they were waiting to bury it. Justice Quick interrupted, and explained to Charles Sheldon that these things could be brought up at another time, and weren't recommended for discussion during an arraignment hearing.
The three misdemeanor charges of overdriving, torture, and failure to provide sustenance, one count for each dog, carry a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed one year, and a fine not to exceed $1,000. According to Webster's complaint, the deceased dog was tied out and was emaciated and deceased, another dog was found tied out and living in its own feces, and a third dog out back was tied to a crate.
The purpose of Tuesday's arraignment was to ensure that Charles Sheldon understood the charges against him, and because he appeared without an attorney, Justice Quick entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the court for all ten counts, and set a date for another hearing to take place on April 2, 2013, in the Town of Nichols court at 1 p.m.
Justice Quick also discussed bail, and asked the defendant and his girlfriend if they were a risk for flight. Although unemployed, Charles Sheldon told Justice Quick that he would appear for court, and a public defender was also requested.
It was recommended to Charles Sheldon that he converse with his public defender prior to the April 2, 2013 hearing, and more details as to how the court will proceed will be known at that time.
Charles Sheldon was released on his own recognizance by Justice Quick, and departed the courtroom following the 45-minute arraignment hearing on Tuesday.
(Towanda Daily Review - Mar 13, 2013)
