Monday, October 12, 2009

Horse owner reaches plea deal in animal cruelty case

By GRETYL MACALASTER

A local woman who was facing numerous charges related to the seizure of 12 horses in March has reached an agreement with the state in which most of the charges were dropped.

Heidi Fredrick, 45, of 456 Critchett Road, pleaded guilty to two violation-level charges of inadequate shelter. Nine counts of animal cruelty and six charges of inadequate shelter were not pursued.

Fredrick agreed to pay $11,902.12 in restitution over the next five years. Fredrick must make a payment each month and if she fails to do so, she will be held in contempt of court, according to the agreement.

Fredrick also received a $1,000 fine that is suspended upon one year of good behavior and repayment in full of restitution to Candia.

Fredrick may not petition the court to annul the convictions until restitution is paid.

In a letter to the police chief explaining her rationale for the agreement, prosecutor Jackie Docko said the agreement meets the four goals of sentencing, which are rehabilitation, specific deterrence, general deterrence and punishment..." More