CENTREVILLE, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – A plea agreement has been filed in the case of a St. Joseph County woman who was charged last August after more than 210 cats were found in deplorable conditions at two homes.
44-year-old Diane Pitone entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of abandoning or cruelty to between 10 and 25 animals at a home in Park Township.
The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of four years but prosecutors will ask that time behind bars be suspended. In addition, prosecutors will not pursue charges after more than 60 cats were removed from her boyfriend’s home in Three Rivers.
A plea hearing was held on Thursday in front of St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman.
During the hearing which was live streamed on You Tube, the judge questioned Pitone about what happened last August.
Restitution will be determined by the court and Pitone is looking at a fine of up to $5,000. She may also have to serve up to 500 hours of community service or any other combination of penalties such as not being able to own or possess of an animal.
A sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 14.
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