Guilty plea for one of three accused in dog abuse case

IOWA -- One of the three suspects accused of torturing and neglecting a dog has pleaded guilty.  The other two will go to trial in November.

The charges follow the neglect of the dog found dead in a crate in Jesup, covered in its own feces in February.  Local animal rights advocates nicknamed the dog "Caleb."

Recently prosecutors asked for the three trials to be combined, but this motion was denied.



A.J. Michael Sellers

On Tuesday, A. J. Sellers entered a written plea of guilty to intentional animal neglect. His sentencing is set for November 12.



Kelsey Renae Block

Kelsey Block is scheduled for trial on November 6.

Ty Alyn Hickman

Ty Hickman's trial is scheduled for November 20. According to court documents, Hickman claims he left the dog with Sellers and Block in January until they could find the dog a new home.

(KWWL - Oct 23, 2013)

Earlier:

• Waterloo animal control pursuing animal cruelty case
• Man Charged With Animal Torture
• Two Additional Arrests in horrific abuse case in Iowa