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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #9323 Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Horse neglect
Houston, TX (US)Incident Date: Friday, Mar 31, 2006
County: Harris
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 13 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Gerald Johnson
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A Precinct 7 deputy constable has found himself in trouble with the law. He's charged with two counts of animal cruelty. The deputy, Gerald Johnson lost his job.
It was the first week of April when the Harris County Livestock Division knew it had to act fast.
The group said they took quick action because Johnson's two horses were so thin their bones were sticking out.
"You can see how skinny she is - she's got no strength to her at all because she is so undernourished and she is supposed to be 2 and a half year old horse," said Sgt. Robert Corzine.
Doctors said one of the younger horses was so underfed it didn't have the energy to lift herself into the trailer.
When the trailer was lowered the horse was eventually able to walk in, but the images of her falling has these men determined to make sure Gerald Johnson is held responsible.
"Got a fellow deputy that is allowing his animals to be in such poor shape like this," said Sgt. Corzine.
Sgt. Corzine said both animals are abused and neglected, "They've got internal parasites whatever they are eating are eating for them so they are not getting any nourishment."
Johnson and his mother, Patricia, both say they took care of the horses.
"I think she has worms and when I discovered it I brought them to my sons attention," said Patricia Johnson.
At a hearing Johnson voluntarily give up the horses to the SPCA.
Judge Dale Gorczynski wanted to see for himself what the county livestock division described as pitiful.
"You are well aware these horses are not fit to be ridden," said Judge Gorczynski.
The Johnsons showed no emotion at the hearing.
SPCA was able to adopt out the younger horse, but the older one was put down because she was too sick.
If convicted of animal cruelty, Johnson will not be allowed to work as a law enforcement for at least 10 years.
Case UpdatesOne year ago, Philly, a 2 and a half-year-old horse, was weakened from starvation and lacked the energy to lift herself onto a trailer.
The images were disturbing and heartbreaking.
Former Precinct 7 deputy constable Gerald Johnson was convicted of animal cruelty.
It took a jury only 45 minutes to reach a verdict.
"I took no pleasure in trying this case because he was a peace officer. But people from all walks of life commit crimes and justice requires that everyone be treated equally," said Assistant D.A. Belinda Smith.
After going over the conditions of probation Johnson was the only defendant allowed to leave thru a back door avoiding television cameras.
"I believe he was not guilty. And I don't believe the jury should have found him guilty, but I have to accept the decision of the jury," said David Eisen who is Johnson's attorney.
Johnson's conviction means his license is suspended for 20 years.
That's the norm for a class a misdemeanor conviction.
Johnson was sentenced to one year probation and 20 days behind bars.
He's to report the Harris County Jail Monday morning. | Source: KHOU - Aril 25, 2007
Update posted on Apr 27, 2007 - 2:41AM |
References« TX State Animal Cruelty Map
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