An e-mail received by someone who was on-site following the seizure:
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 7:29 PM
Subject: Mary O'Brien Case
I have some disturbing news regarding the Mary Obrien case. A hearing was scheduled today for the case, but before this could take place, a plea status hearing was conducted with only the public defender, prosecuting attorney (Kim Crockett) and the magistrate. Not a single person from the case was present including the investigating officer, animal control or myself. We actually showed up for the hearing and were told it was over.
The only information the prosecuting attorney had was the warrant for the arrest. She has never even seen the case file or a single record or photo from the case. In addition, she never spoke with the investigating officer, animal control or myself. Basically, she prosecuted a case without even looking at the evidence and then the magistrate agreed to the plea bargain without anyone being present or at the least consulted.
What a disappointment this judicial process has been. This was a very well documented case of animal cruelty. Both Animal Control and the Sheriff's Department did their jobs. At least eight horses died or had to be euthanized from starvation and neglect in this case.
We are holding a press conference tomorrow in front of the court house at 11:00 A.M. to demand answers from the Chief Prosecutor's office. We would appreciate any support from horse owners and the public. Please forward this to your contacts. Thank you so much for all of your help.
Sincerely,
Christine Bridges D.V.M
Subject: Mary O'Brien Case
I have some disturbing news regarding the Mary Obrien case. A hearing was scheduled today for the case, but before this could take place, a plea status hearing was conducted with only the public defender, prosecuting attorney (Kim Crockett) and the magistrate. Not a single person from the case was present including the investigating officer, animal control or myself. We actually showed up for the hearing and were told it was over.
The only information the prosecuting attorney had was the warrant for the arrest. She has never even seen the case file or a single record or photo from the case. In addition, she never spoke with the investigating officer, animal control or myself. Basically, she prosecuted a case without even looking at the evidence and then the magistrate agreed to the plea bargain without anyone being present or at the least consulted.
What a disappointment this judicial process has been. This was a very well documented case of animal cruelty. Both Animal Control and the Sheriff's Department did their jobs. At least eight horses died or had to be euthanized from starvation and neglect in this case.
We are holding a press conference tomorrow in front of the court house at 11:00 A.M. to demand answers from the Chief Prosecutor's office. We would appreciate any support from horse owners and the public. Please forward this to your contacts. Thank you so much for all of your help.
Sincerely,
Christine Bridges D.V.M
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