LIHU‘E — In exchange for pleading guilty to five counts of animal cruelty in two separate cases, Blaine Jacintho of Koloa had a three-count animal cruelty case against him dismissed. Also dropped Monday before 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano were
LIHU‘E — In exchange for pleading guilty to five counts of animal cruelty in two separate cases, Blaine Jacintho of Koloa had a three-count animal cruelty case against him dismissed.
Also dropped Monday before 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano were two of the original six counts of animal cruelty in a case where one dog was found dead and six others found alive in unacceptable living conditions, said county Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lauren McDowell.
The first single count of animal cruelty was prompted in March when a dog was found dead in Jacintho’s back yard on Po‘ipu Road. He pleaded guilty to that charge Monday.
“I take full responsibility for all that happened in the back of my house that day,” said Jacintho, 24.
He originally pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial in all three cases.
Regarding the six-count case (two counts were dropped in the plea agreement), Jacintho again pleaded guilty.
“My kennels was very dirty and there was a dead dog in the kennel,” he said.
Each charge of animal cruelty is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of a year in prison and fine of $1,000, though it is likely through the plea agreement Jacintho will only receive probation.
McDowell said the state would not object to a sentence of probation and would not ask for consecutive sentences if prison time is given by Valenciano when Jacintho is sentenced Jan. 28.
Valenciano set for hearing Dec. 3 the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s petition for forfeiture of Jacintho’s dogs, but Jacintho’s attorney, Jason Shimizu, said there is a possibility that the forfeiture matter may be resolved before that date.
