Case Report

Phillip Jent opened the door to his tenants apartment and let the dogs out.  Jent then proceeded to shoot the dogs 6 times with a .22 caliber gun.

The dogs, named Jigs and Jackson miraculously survived.  Jig lost a leg and Jackson is crippled.

Jent was charged with 2 counts of animal cruelty in the 2nd degree - A class A misdemeanor.  Each charge carries a maximum of $500 and 12 months in jail.  Jent asked for a jury trial and represented himself in court.

Jent did not show up for the trial but Judge John Cox elected to try Jent in his absence, as all the witnesses and the jury was present.

A bench warrant was issued forJent.  He was arrested the day after the trial and released on bond.  Jent was found guilty and on May 29th at Jents sentencing hearing he was ordered to pay restitution for the veterinarian bill (nearly $1700) fined $1000, 90 days suspended sentence and 90 hours of community service.

On August 27th, 2003 a motion was filed to revoke the suspended sentence as Jent failed to show up for community service within the 30 days of sentencing.  Jent will also be going to court again for assault charges unrelated to this case.

Case Updates

References