Flushing Man Pleads to Multiple Animal Cruelty Charges
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Stephen Bethel, 38, of West Street, Flushing, entered guilty pleas to three charges of cruelty to animals this week in Belmont County Common Pleas Court in front of Judge Chris Berhalter.
Bethel originally appeared in Western Division Court on charges by the Belmont County Hoof and Paw, the county’s humane agent.
Court records filed on Tuesday revealed “the matter came before the Court for a plea agreement hearing”.
“Counsel informed the Court that the parties had reached an agreement for a plea. This agreement included a plea of guilty to the charges contained within the Indictment that being:
- Count I, Cruelty to Companion Animals, a violation of O.R.C. §959.131(C), 959.99(E)(1), a felony of the fifth degree;
- Count II, Cruelty to Companion Animals, a violation of O.R.C. §959.131(B), 959.99(E)(1), a misdemeanor of the first degree;
- Count III, Cruelty to Companion Animals, a violation of O.R.C. §959.131(B), 959.99(E)(1), a misdemeanor of the first degree.
One count, resulting from killing a cat, is a felony punishable by a year in prison.
The other two counts, misdemeanors, each carry a possible six months in jail.
The Belmont County Hoof and Paw Humane Agent said Bethel acted out of revenge after his wife filed for divorce.
In December, when charges were filed in Western Division Court, records reveal “all animals seized (2 dogs and 3 cats) are ordered to be held by Belmont County Hoof and Paw pending further order of this court”.
Indicted by a Belmont County Grand Jury, Bethel was arraigned on February 12. A criminal pre-trial hearing took place on April 6.
With the plea agreement, Bethel remains out on bond. His sentencing is set for May 18.
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