Ohio: Family who refused to return Army Private’s dog, changes mind after being told they could be charged with a felony

OHIO -- A local Army Private just won a battle to get her dog back.

Buck, a 5-year-old Bloodhound, was returned to Army Private Katelyn Gallagher’s family Thursday.

“I am so grateful to the police and prosecutor’s office for helping me,” Gallagher told us Friday by phone.

 

 

Gallagher left the dog with Angelo Sullo, a family friend, when she went to military training in May.

When she came home on leave in December, Sullo told her he couldn’t keep the dog and gave it away to another family. However, HE REFUSED TO TELL HER WHERE THE DOG WAS AT. 

Police charged Sullo with theft. He has since appeared twice in court to face the criminal charge.

Eventually, police tracked down the family to advise them that the dog was technically stolen from its original owner and that Sullo did not have the legal right to give it or sell it to them.

Christina Grapo told police that her family had became attached to the dog and did not want to return him.

“The dog was part of their family,” said Atty. Michael Cicero, who represents the family. “They adore him.”

NEW FAMILY FINALLY RETURNED DOG AFTER THEY WERE TOLD THEY WERE FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES AS WELL

Cicerco said earlier this week a Cleveland police detective called him and told him if the dog was not returned his client could be facing a felony.

“They made a difficult decision and returned the dog [ONLY because they knew police were serious about charging them with a crime for refusing to return stolen property],” Cicero said. “This was very difficult. The mother drove to Ohio State University Thursday to get their daughter so she could say goodbye to Buck. “

Once Cleveland police got the dog, they contacted Gallagher’s brother and he picked up the dog. He said the dog will stay with him until Gallagher returns from training in April.

Gallagher’s attorney, Paul Cristallo, said he is glad the issue has been resolved.

“Buck means everything to me, he is like my son,” Gallagher said. “I can’t tell you how happy I am. I just can’t wait to hug him.”

(Fox8- Feb 24, 2017)

Earlier:

• Ohio: Army Private says her dog was sold by her "friend" Angelo Sullo while she was on training assignment
• Ohio: Facing theft charge, Angelo Sullo refuses to tell judge what he did with Army private's dog
• Ohio: Despite being told she is in possession of stolen property and that Angelo Sullo has been charged with theft, Christina Grapo refuses to return Bloodhound that belongs to army private
• Ohio: Battle over Army Private’s dog continues in the courtroom