New York: John Eplin, 18, beat his dog to death with a shovel

NEW YORK -- Bath-based New York State Police say John E. Eplin, 18, of Avoca, intentionally killed his own pit bull in April.

Police said Eplin choked the animal until it was unconscious, then repeatedly struck it in the head with a shovel.

The animal’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave in a wooded area of the Village of Avoca.

A join investigation by the state police and the Steuben County SPCA led to Eplin’s arrest May 30.
He was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a class E felony.

Eplin was arraigned in Village of Avoca Court and released on his own recognizance.

(The Leader - June 3, 2014)


John Eplin's criminal history: 
Avoca Market Burglary arrest - The Steuben County Sheriff office has made an arrest into the burglary of the Avoca market earlier this week.  Following an investigation two have been arrested….a 17 year old from Avoca (John Eplin) and a 23 year old Brandon Congdon from Campbell.

The two face several burglary related charges and were taken to the Steuben County jail in lieu of bail.  The will appear in court February 3rd . (WVIN Bath - Jan 18, 2014)

Sexual Misconduct & Endangering the Welfare of a Child - NY State Police arrested JOHN EPLIN for sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child. It's alleged that during the month of March of 2014, while at a residence in the Village of Avoca, he engage in sexual intercourse with a female less than 17 years old.

EPLIN was arraigned in the Town of Bath Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or a $2,000 property bond. He's scheduled to appear in the Village of Avoca Court on July 16th. (Wellsville Area News - June 24, 2014)