On June 26, 2003, ACO Sockman charged James Linzie Johnson, Jr. with felony animal cruelty in the death of his girlfriend's puppy.� According to the necropsy performed by Dr. Hallstrom of Dog and Cat Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, the puppy's liver virtually disintegrated as the result of blunt force trauma.� The puppy also suffered two broken ribs.� As a result of the injuries the puppy died from internal hemmorage.� According to the veterinarian, the puppy died within minutes of the injuries.
In interviews with Animal Control Officers, Johnson acknowledged that the puppy was alright when his girlfriend left for work.� He acknowledged that he�had been home alone with the puppy, and that the puppy had never left his sight.
On March 12, 2004, Johnson entered an Alford plea.� While not an admission of guilt, an Alford plea is an acknowledgement by the defendant that the Commonwealth has sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.� He was found guilty of felony animal cruelty.
The felony animal cruelty conviction was the first of its kind for the City of Chesapeake since the new law went into effect July 1, 2002.
On June 15, 2004, Johnson was sentenced to 3 years in prison.� Two years and 9 months were suspended.� Johnson will be on probation after his release and must pay costs of court.� He will serve approximately 1 and 1/2 months. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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