In the plea, 16 animals once in Thomas Jessberger's care were listed by name. Jessberger pleaded no-contest to subjecting those animals, including a mare named Chili found dead at the Rocky Acres Horse and Sanctuary, to mistreatment and neglect.
As part of an agreement filed in Broadwater County District Court on Friday, prosecutors dropped 19 counts of animal cruelty and a charge of bail jumping.
Jessberger and Darlene Rindal, the former owners of Rocky Acres Horse Rescue, were each charged with one misdemeanor count and 34 felony counts of cruelty to animals in connection with an investigation by the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office.
Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson said the case has cost the county more than $100,000 in the care of the animals. Restitution in the case will be discussed at sentencing.
Jessberger's plea agreement comes with a recommendation of 20 years to the Montana Department of Corrections with eight years suspended. A sentencing hearing has not been set.
Rindal is awaiting trial.
On March 11, 2014, 28 horses, five goats, one miniature mule and one donkey, nearly all of which showed signs of severe malnutrition, were seized from the property. At least two of the animals had to be euthanized.
A non-irrigated, 10-acre property and a single-wide trailer house, both owned by Rindal under the name Dalene Turner, were used to board horses and to take in horses “rescued” from various owners where the animals needed special care, Swanson wrote in charging documents.
Rindal and Jessberger used the animal rescue to raise money through websites, social media, public fundraising events and horse rides in exchange for donations, Swanson wrote. They also received free or discounted hay, veterinary services and other contributions.
Jessberger was convicted in a separate case of felony theft and received a suspended sentence. He then fled probation and was later picked up in Florida. Jessberger received a five-year sentence to the Montana Department of Corrections in that case after his suspended sentence was revoked, Swanson said.
(Independent Record - Oct 27, 2015)
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