A Michigan judge has sentenced an animal abuser to three to six years in prison, triple the recommended sentencing guidelines.
Judge Richard Caretti had initially accepted a plea of no contest from the accused, agreeing to a lower sentence. However, on hearing the gory details of the case, Caretti withdrew the agreement (known as a Cobb’s agreement).
“I cannot in good conscience follow the Cobb’s agreement,” said Carretti. “Any way you view this crime, it’s despicable and reprehensible. In my almost 17 years on the bench, your case is by far the worst, most deplorable example of animal cruelty I’ve ever seen. Sterling would have looked to you for love, shelter, and food. Instead, he was a victim of your unbelievable cruelty.”
County Prosecutors requested a harsher sentence, noting that the penalty for animal cruelty in Michigan had recently increased – but only after this horrific crime took place.
The crime committed by Alexander Gerth was an especially brutal one. After the Michigan Humane Society refused his request to adopt a dog named Sterling, the 23-year-old had a friend adopt the animal for him. Not long after taking possession of Sterling, Gerth viciously stabbed the dog to death and left his body lying in a local park in below-freezing temperatures.
Gerth also admitted to beating and kicking two-year-old Sterling during the short time the dog was in his care.
The case drew the attention of animal lovers across the state, who started a petition calling for the maximum sentence possible. The petition gathered more than 6,500 signatures and likely influenced those involved in prosecuting and sentencing.
County Prosecutor Eric Smith praised the longer sentence, saying it shows that “crimes of this nature will never be tolerated.”
“Sterling has brought great awareness to such a critical issue that troubles us as a society,” said Smith.
On top of the prison sentence, Gerth must cover the autopsy costs of the Michigan Humane Society and is banned from ever owning a dog again.
We thank the prosecutors and Judge Caretti for taking this devastating case of animal cruelty seriously and working to ensure that Gerth can never harm another animal.
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THANK YOU to County Prosecutor Eric Smith and Judge Caretti — you are the BEST — you are my KIND of Judges — the CRIME was beyond unconscionably cruel, depraved and sadistic — the sentence MUST fit the Crime — THANK YOU — (I wonder if the punishment could’ve been even harsher?).
Cruelty needs to stop; disgusting!
there MUST BE STRONG ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS WORLD WIDE!
Praise to the prosecutor and judge for taking a stand for Sterling and giving this monster the sentence he deserves and giving Justice to Sterling. It will not bring Sterling back or make up for what he suffered, but hopefully due to this, other animals will not have to suffer as he did. Absolutely no excuse for this disgusting act of cruelty against an innocent animal. I hope this disgusting excuse for a human being experiences true justice in jail. RIP Sterling.
Felicito a ese jues muchos mas asi necesitamos que le hizo el animal fueron la intitucion que no se los dio no podemos segir viviendo con gente asi hay que tomar medidas serias como hizo este Señor mis felicitacion no cambie defienda a los animales son seres vivos
This is just one example of why I believe in the death penalty and that it should be expanded to include those of other species!
HOORAY for the judge!
Here in Wilmington NC we had a judge Luther who, similarly, ruled a bond 2 times the amount requested by the defendant. She made it a $100,000 secured bond after hearing just some of the details of what was done to a dog. Many here sent her thank you letters!!!
Hopefully the Judges USE their power to send messages and improve our species!
Enfin un juge qui commence à montrer l’exemple! Même si pour moi un tel monstre devrait rester définitivement enfermé!
Thank you Judge Caretti but I wish you could have sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Shoot the bastard Alexander Gerth!!!
Thank you to the judge.
He should be banned from owning ANY animal!! Do you think that this coward’s violent actions would only be against dogs??!!
Still not enough. Not nearly enough 🙁
His friend should have also been charged. What a despicable excuse for a person.
Children should be allowed to trap, period. Parents should be allowed to raise them as they see fit, within the law.
I want to Thank you, Judge Caretti. It is rare that some justice is done, thank you again.