The Florida man who was caught on camera beating a pit bull in the backseat of a car in March, has been sentenced to jail.
In March of 2022, while at a RacTrac gas station, Marcus Chiddister repeatedly punched his dog with a closed fist before closing the door and walking into the gas station.
“Our Animal Cruelty Task Force immediately began investigating and learned Chiddister injured the dog, who we later learned was named Sheeba. ACTF and the U.S Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force STOPPED AT NOTHING to locate and arrest Chiddister for Felony Animal Cruelty,” said Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
In the news: 2 Brothers Who Attacked Man With Axe Handle In Hate Crime At Dollar General Sentenced
“After Chiddister’s arrest, ACTF and our legal team worked to file an emergency petition in effort to remove Sheeba from Chiddister’s custody. In May of 2022, the petition was granted and Chiddister officially lost custody of Sheeba,” said LCSO.
On Tuesday, Chiddister was sentenced to 36 months at the Department of Corrections, 24 months of State Probation. In addition, he must also complete an anger management program, psychiatric evaluation, and may never possess or own a canine again.
According to Sheriff Marceno, Chiddister has 45 prior arrests.
In the news: Seminole Man Charged With 8-Counts Of Child Porn
In a Facebook post about Chiddister’s sentencing, Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, “I will ALWAYS protect those who cannot protect themselves. Punching an animal over and over again with a closed fist is disgusting. My detectives and legal team worked TIRELESSLY alongside our partners at the State Attorney’s Office. I am proud to say their hard work led to the sentencing for this criminal’s abusive actions.”
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.