Photo of Janey courtesy of Animal Aid of Branch County
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A man who entered guilty pleas to two charges after he shot his pet German Shepard in the head last June was sentenced on Monday in Branch County Circuit Court.
21-year-old Alex James Carr was ordered to serve three months in jail and was placed on probation for 18 months after he entered guilty pleas to Attempted Torturing, Mutilating, or Killing an Animal as well as to a charge of animal cruelty.
During his probation, Carr must complete a psychological evaluation, undergo anger management and pay over $4,000 in restitution to Animal Aid of Branch County for taking care of “Janey” after she was shot.
Photo of Janey courtesy of Animal Aid of Branch County
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien has released a statement after a plea agreement was filed this week in a high profile case that involved the shooting of a dog in the head last summer.
21-year-old Alex James Carr was charged with a felony of Torturing, Mutilating, or Killing an Animal and a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty after an investigation by the Branch County Sherriffâs Department.
According to court documents, Carr shot the dog after it chewed on his child’s toys and clothes. Animal Aid of Branch County took care of the dog after the shooting.
Coldwater man facing child abuse charges
file photo
and last updated 2021-01-09 15:21:44-05
COLDWATER, Mich. â The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney says Coldwater police arrested 26-year-old Nicholas Platek from Coldwater on Thursday after a one-year-old was found with multiple serious injuries back in October.
Weâre told the child, who was listed in critical condition at the time, was transported to Bronson Hospital for treatment.
The attorneyâs office says Platek has been charged with one count of first-degree child abuse and one count of second-degree child abuse, adding that he could face up to life behind bars if convicted for the first-degree charge. They say he may face double the maximum sentence for being a habitual offender.
Branch County Court House and Clock Tower (photo courtesy Justin Lopshire, Midwest Communications, Inc.)
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Incoming Prosecutor Zach Stempien wants current Prosecutor Val White to stay on as his Chief Assistant.
His request was brought forward on Thursday by the Branch County Board of Commissioners to their regular meeting next Tuesday afternoon.
Stempien officially takes over as Branch County Prosecutor on January 1.
White decided last April not seek a full term in office as she had originally planned.
She is instead backed Stempien who was her Chief Assistant Prosecutor at the time.
Stempien defeated former Branch County Prosecutor Terri Norris in the August Republican Primary and was unopposed in the November general election.