The Batavia man accused of scalding his girlfriend's dog with boiling hot water would not admit in court today to the crime, but he did plead guilty to a cruelty to animal charge.
Brandon Maldonado, 26, entered his plea under what's known as an Alford basis.
That means he doesn't admit to actually committing the crime, but recognizes that a jury would most likely weigh the facts of the case and find him guilty.
The Class E felony, under New York's agriculture and markets law, carries a maximum prison term of two years. The plea deal caps Maldonado's sentence at 18 months.
Maldonado and his girlfriend, Melissa Broadbent, were arrested a month ago.
According to statements provided by police from Broadbent's daughters, a month before that, Maldonado poured boiling water in a cup and then dumped it on the family's dog, Rocky.
Broadbent is accused of assisting Maldonado in trying to cover up the crime. Her case is still pending.
Once police became aware of the abuse of Rocky, the dog was taken to State Street Animal Hospital. Veterinarian Fran Woodworth reported that Rocky suffered serious burns and had been in significant pain. He will have some scars for the rest of his life.
Within days of her arrest, Broadbent appeared in City Court and willingly surrendered ownership of Rocky, who was staying at the county's animal shelter. More than a week ago, Rocky was adopted by a local resident.
Maldonado's bail of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond was continued pending his sentencing in two weeks; however, he is also being held on no bail pending a parole violation review.
Previously:
"More than a week ago, Rocky
"More than a week ago, Rocky was adopted by a local resident."
- I imagine it feels a little weird to include yourself in a news report. Nothing wrong with it, of course.
No matter. He's pled guilty.
No matter. He's pled guilty. The proof is, Rocky has a home with love and no violence now.
Now for the parole violation. I ASSUME- he'll be finishing out his sentence due to the fact of being arrested with a felony?
I think when he get's to
I think when he get's to prison, the C.O.s should dumped scalding water on his naked body so he can feel the same pain he caused this dog to feel.