Nearly 60 rabbits abandoned - Mechanicsville, VA

Monday, Nov 6, 2006

County: Hanover

Disposition: Convicted

Defendants/Suspects:
» Cheri Lynn Hickman
» Troy J. Hickman

Case Updates: 4 update(s) available

Hanover County authorities are investigating a case where nearly 60 rabbits were abandoned inside a home Troy and Cheri Hickman rented on Stockade Drive.

According to an affidavit, the Hickmans moved out on Nov. 6. When the homeowner went inside a week later, she found cages of rabbits in the basement. They had no food or water and were covered in feces.

Hanover Animal Control Sgt. Kevin Kilgore says, "We've had a number of rabbits in need of rescue and in bad conditions and we have an ongoing investigation in that case."

One of the rabbits died. Almost five dozen more made it to the Hanover County Animal Shelter, where they are now up for adoption. Investigators will not release many specifics about this case but, tell us the Hickmans face animal cruelty and abandonment charges.

We are told by several neighbors that the couple was part of a rabbit rescue group.

Sgt. Kilgore says, "I think the situation got away from them. It could possibly be a hoarding case. They did try to find homes for them."

Authorities tell us they are still trying to locate the Hickmans to formally charge them. If you have any information on their whereabouts, you're encouraged to call the Hanover County Animal Control Department

Case Updates

Both Troy and Cherri Hickman have been found guilty of animal cruelty. They entered into a plea agreement whereby they waived their right to a trial on 59 misdemeanor charges and two felonies, and pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges each. Cherri Hickman received a 12-month suspended jail sentence. Troy Hickman also received a 12-month sentence, all of which was suspended except 60 days. Both defendants received 3 years' supervised probation, during which time they are prohibited from owning rabbits or operating an animal rescue. The two are required to participate in counseling and were ordered to pay $15,000.00 in restitution to the county.

Source: Hanover County Case # GC06025402 Update posted on Mar 13, 2007 - 7:48PM

Cherri Lynn Hickman was convicted of misdmeanor animal cruelty on March 7, 2007 in Hanover County Court. She received a 12-month suspended sentence and court costs. Troy J. Hickman was not prosecuted for animal cruelty, however court records inidcate he is facing fraud charges in an unrelated matter.

Source: Case # GC06025343-00 Update posted on Mar 9, 2007 - 11:17PM

A Hanover County animal abuse case back is also back in court today. Jeff and Sherry Hickman are accused of abandoning their rabbits after moving out of their Hanover home last year. The couple is facing animal abuse and neglect charges. Look for additional updates shortly.

Source: WRIC - Jan 19, 2007 Update posted on Jan 19, 2007 - 3:22PM

After this story aired last week, 8NEWS received several emails and phone calls from individuals calling for more of an investigation on what went on. Today, 8NEWS went inside the home, where authorities say nearly 60 rabbits were abandoned on November 6 -- in the basement of Troy and Cheri Hickman's rented home on Stockade Drive. Today, cages are also stacked in the living room, supplies cram one bedroom and rabbit droppings cover the floor. Sources say at one point, as many as 148 animals lived here, along with four children, all under the age of nine. 8NEWS has learned at least three concerned citizens contacted Hanover's Department of Social Services. According to this letter, the agency did not look into the matter. Bill Grogan is a lawyer representing people close to the case. "The conditions are unhealthy and I just hate to see a child's life ruined," says Grogan. "In my opinion, it's a crime that it would happen and the governmental authorities charged with looking at that do nothing." 8NEWS contacted the Hickmans at a home where they are staying in Mecklenburg County. Troy, who goes by the name, Jeff, says he has no comment at this time. The Department of Social Services also declined to make a statement in this case.

Source: WRIC - Dec 13, 2006 Update posted on Dec 14, 2006 - 1:52AM

References

• WRIC - Dec 5, 2006

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