In Charleston, West Virginia, a former Chapmanville police officer pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges in connection with the disappearance of K-9 Officer Chase. It had been nearly seven months ago, after former Chapmanville Police Officer Marcus Dudley reported his K-9 partner missing, Dudley was sentenced on Wednesday to the maximum time of six months and five days in prison.
Dudley was given credit for time already served, and he will be released in 17 days.
According to WsazNews, K-9 Chase went missing on April 11, 2023, after Dudley reported that Chase jumped over the fence and escaped his home in South Charleston. Chase finished his training in March before working with the Chapmanville Police Department.
After an extensive investigation, Dudley was arrested on August 15, and the disappearance of K9 Chase had garnered attention across social media. The Facebook group, Justice for K-9 Officer Chase, continues to hold out hope that Chase is still alive and will be found.
Dudley was not required to reveals the dog’s whereabouts in his plea agreement reached last month. Prosecutors state they have no evidence as to whether the dog is alive. County Circuit Judge Stephanie Abraham expressed her frustration in court after reading a victim impact statement from Chapmanville Police Chief Al Browning at the sentencing.
On behalf of the town, the police department, what happened to Chase? They deserve answers and they deserve better…
Via Wsaz News statements
Dudley declined to speak in court, however Jessica France, an administrator of the K-9 Officer Chase Facebook group stated they will not stop searching for the dog.
In addition to the jail time, Dudley will be required to pay $6,000 to the Town of Chapmanville for the cost of the dog, $522 to the South Charleston Police Department, enroll in an anger management class, and he will not be permitted to live in a home with animals or own one for five years.
Read the original coverage of missing K-9 Chase here.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
