Multiple reports lead up to the charges against a Shamong man.
On January 22, 2018, a vehicle, operated by a 24 year old male from Shamong was stopped by the Medford Township Police for speeding. At that time, he advised police that he was transporting his 14 week old German Shepherd, Atlas, to the veterinary hospital. He said that while walking Atlas, he was struck by an ATV.
On Jan. 27, the Medford Township Police received information suggesting that the information he provided pertaining to how Atlas’ sustained his injuries was not factual.
The subsequent investigation conducted by the Medford Township Police in cooperation with the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Barracks determined that he intentionally caused the injuries to Atlas. The injuries were severe and consisted of numerous fractures, requiring surgical repair, as well as hemorrhaging.
It was also determined that in the short time, six weeks, that he had Atlas, he sustained injuries on two additional occasions. He reported that Atlas was injured in Dec. from falling down the stairs and in Jan. from falling down a hill.
Sadly, on Feb. 03, Atlas, while still in his owners care, died under suspicious circumstances as there was evidence that Atlas sustained additional trauma.
Furthermore, it was discovered that he created a Go Fund Me account seeking donations for Atlas’ veterinary bills. He falsified the narrative of the account by indicating that Atlas sustained the injuries when he and Atlas were in a hit and run motor vehicle crash. The account raised $14,065 via 693 separate donations over a 28 day period.
On March 28, he was charged with third degree Animal Cruelty and third degree Theft by deception pending a Burlington County Superior Court hearing.
