Dog-fighting alleged, sheriff's deputy charged
Richmond, VA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Apr 16, 2009
County: Henrico
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: David W. Robinson
Upcoming Court Dates:
» Thursday, May 27, 2010: Sentencing
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
A Richmond sheriff's deputy arrested in Henrico County on charges of animal cruelty and dogfighting has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation and the criminal charges.
Henrico police arrested David W. Robinson after responding to a call Thursday about fighting dogs in the 6400 block of Miller Road in the county's eastern end.
Twenty-one pit bulls, one of which was dead, were found in the rear of a home, said Henrico police Lt. A.J. Scott. Animal-protection officers took four injured dogs to receive veterinary treatment and the rest to the county animal shelter.
Robinson, who was arraigned in Henrico General District Court yesterday, has been charged with two counts each of cruelty to animals and promoting or engaging in animal fighting, both Class 1 misdemeanors. A trial is scheduled for June 9.
Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. confirmed yesterday that Robinson has worked as a deputy sheriff since March 2003.
"The charges placed against Corporal Robinson are serious and not consistent with the professionalism expected of the men and women of the Richmond City Sheriff's Office," Woody said in a news release.
He added that Robinson will be placed in an administrative position in the sheriff's office where he will not have contact with the public or inmates.
Case UpdatesA former Richmond sheriff's deputy faces up to 28 years in prison after his conviction yesterday on multiple dogfighting and cruelty charges.
David W. Robinson, 38, whose Henrico County property contained 21 pit bulls, most of them in emaciated condition and some with their teeth filed to knifelike sharpness, will be sentenced May 27.
"There was no place on this property that was dry," said Henrico Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Heidi Barshinger, describing Robinson's property as covered in slime and mud and dead or dying dogs.
Barshinger said the investigation of Robinson began with a complaint from a neighbor about bloodied fighting dogs, two of which were chained. It expanded into multiple states and used the resources of national humane organizations and even a pathologist who was able to show maltreatment from a dog's decreased bone marrow.
Robinson was convicted after entering an Alford plea in which he acknowledged there was sufficient evidence to convict him, but Barshinger said Robinson persisted in statements that "he loved his dogs and he denied any involvement in dogfighting."
Henrico Circuit Judge Burnett Miller III presided.
Experts would have testified that search warrants turned up evidence of staple guns, sedatives, training devices, and other materials consistent with fighting dogs and dressing wounds, Barshinger said.
Investigators also turned up evidence of dog purchases through known breeders of fighting dogs and evidence of bloodlines of fighting animals, Barshinger said.
Robinson, of the 6400 block of Miller Road in eastern Henrico, had been a Richmond sheriff's deputy for six years as of April 16 last year, when Henrico Animal Protection officer J.E. Carlson responded to a complaint at Robinson's home and discovered evidence that eventually led to Robinson's arrest. | Source: Richmon Times - Dispatch - Feb 26, 2010
Update posted on Feb 26, 2010 - 11:46AM |
It's been three weeks since more than 20 dogs were taken from a home in Henrico.
The owner, former Richmond Sheriff's Deputy David Robinson, was charged with animal cruelty, torture and planning to promote or engage in animal fighting.
CBS 6 has learned, of the 19 dogs that survived, 12 had to be put down because they were in too bad of shape or too aggressive. But seven can be saved.
Those pit bulls were given temperment tests, two passed and are in the process of being adopted. The remaining five are believed to be good candidates for adoption, but they just need a good home and some training first.
"Misunderstood Pit Bull Rescue Organization" is helping Henrico County Police with placing the remaining five pit bulls in foster care.
"The foster parents, along with volunteers from misunderstood, will help take them from being in a kennel all day, to the big yard to run around in, don't jump the fence, don't bark at people with strollers. So we help them with that process," says volunteer Tracy Pouzar.
But it's not just the pit bulls that are scrutinized.
"Before they get to the adoption family they are going to go through that rehabilitation process, and if anybody is interested in adopting from misunderstood, they one have to be 21. They have to 2, pass a criminal background check, and 3 there's a home inspection as well," say Pouzar.
It may be some time before the five get to a foster home.
As for the investigation, police say it is far from over.
"There may be further charges against mr. Robinson and there maybe further charges against some other people," says Lt. Doug Perry.
Lt. Perry says while the investigation is on going, they still need to analyze a computer taken from Robinson's home to see if there is any evidence that can be found. | Source: wtvr.com - May 11, 2009
Update posted on May 12, 2009 - 1:35PM |
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