The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, who conducted the investigation, arrested Brent Basham, 42, of E.G. Nash Road on August 4, 2015 after an anonymous tip led to the gruesome discovery of a horse suffering from a decayed leg. The horse had to be euthanized by a local veterinarian.
Basham pleaded not guilty in district court on August 11, 2015 but his case was automatically declared a mistrial on March 7th of this year due to what the prosecution called a "procedural error by the defense" and was rescheduled.
The prosecution recommended the maximum penalty for the defendant, which was 12 months in jail and a $500 fine. After deliberating approximately 30 minutes, the jury returned a sentence of guilty, but no jail time and a $500 fine.
"While we appreciate the jury's guilty verdict, it's a bit disheartening that the defendant will receive no jail time," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "To put so much time and manpower into such a difficult case involving an animal that had to be euthanized by a veterinarian at the county's expense simply because it had been neglected, it's frustrating to see only a $500 fine."
Mark Yurchisin, from the law office of Gary S. Logsdon and Associates, represented Basham and said he was also disappointed in the verdict.
"We feel like there should've been a full acquittal," he said. "We presented a good case. As far as the sentence goes, it's more fair than a year in jail, but not what we were looking for, as our client was innocent."
Yurchisin said the defense took issue with some of the evidence and is currently in talks with the client regarding an appeal.
(Edmonson Voice - June 16, 2016)
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