Frederick Acker to remain free while case is appealed

CONNECTICUT -- Frederick Acker, who insists he was rescuing rather than harming dogs, but was sentenced to six months in prison Aug. 21, posted a $10,000 appeals bond Wednesday that will allow him to remain free until an appeal of his case is decided.

An acquaintance of Acker, Susan Fernandez of Bridgeport, delivered $10,000 in cash to Bantam Superior Court Wednesday to secure the bond.

Judge Charles D. Gill had sentenced Acker to six months imprisonment for violating the therms of his probation on animal cruelty charges in August.

Acker was cited March 12 for violating the terms of his probation after probation officers found 47 dogs on his property in Monroe. He had been allowed a maximum of 29 dogs under the conditions of his probation.

Officers also observed broken dog cage roofs and cages that appeared too small for dogs, according to court records.

Monroe police arrested Acker on April 9 and released him on a $1,000 bond.

Acker's lawyer, Steve Colarossi, initially told Bantam Superior Court Judge Paul Matasavage that Acker was not the operator of the rescue operation and therefore not responsible for the number of dogs there.

In January, Acker was convicted of 15 counts of animal cruelty and received a suspended six-month prison sentence with probation for two years following the seizure of 63 dogs from a poorly heated Bethlehem facility in November 2012. He appealed the decision.

Acker lives in Monroe, but he operated what he referred to as an animal rescue operation in Bethlehem.

Judy Umstead — the animal control officer for Bethlehem and Woodbury who has been involved in the case from the beginning — said she is pleased with the latest decision.The facility has been closed and all of the dogs have been placed. Acker got to keep about 20 dogs.

Bethlehem First Selectman Leonard J. Assard said the town will be looking to collect the $12,000 to $13,000 it is owed if Acker loses his appeal and is forced to abide by the conditions of probation, which includes restitution to the town for the care of the dogs.

(Republican American - Sept 2, 2015)

Earlier:

• Monroe rescue director charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty, 63 cruelty charges pending