Rich Strunkenburg (aka Richard Strunkenburg), 38, of 309 Bonnewitz Ave., Van Wert, entered his new plea Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
He had been charged with a total of four fifth-degree felony counts, two of which will be dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement reached with the county prosecutor’s office.
Strunkenburg was fired by the county commissioners July 31 after having been on paid leave since July 21 during an investigation.
The commissioners said he failed to supply adequate food and water to animals or give them adequate care and attention; to adequately clean the kennel and cage areas, and to follow proper procedure in handling dead animals.
Sheriff’s deputies found three dogs and six kittens dead in their kennels at the investigation’s start.
Some kennels appeared not to have been cleaned in weeks, others in several days.
The pound was closed a week for cleaning.
Paulding County Prosecutor Joe Burkard, who was appointed special prosecutor in the case, said he is satisfied with the outcome.
“He’s acknowledging he did something wrong, and there will be consequences,” Mr. Burkard said. “He has no criminal history. It was still two very serious charges, and he faces potential jail time and fines.”
Strunkenburg is to be sentenced at Feb. 2 in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach said operations are running smoothly under the new dog warden, sheriff’s Sgt. Randy Averesch, while operations are reorganized under the sheriff’s authority.
“Everybody’s working hard, and things are going well,” Sheriff Riggenbach said.
He said the community has been supportive, and donations have come in from businesses, individuals, and school groups.
“That’s something that’s been really nice, to have the support of the community,” he said.
(Norwalk Reflector - Jan 3, 2015)
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