BROOKINGS — Former South Dakota State University Police Chief Tim Heaton entered a guilty plea in his animal cruelty case on Feb. 27 in Brookings County Circuit Court.
Heaton was facing five counts on cruelty to animals, a Class 6 felony.
He reached a deal with the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office, which was prosecuting the case, whereby he would plead guilty to one count to have four counts dismissed.
The maximum sentence for a Class 6 felony is two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
Heaton was represented by Brookings attorney Anthony Teesdale.
Sentencing will take place at 11 a.m. May 19.
According to a probable cause statement from the Brookings County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Brookings Police Department received multiple complaints of animal neglect at a residence at 1008 Third St. owned by Heaton.. Heaton’s son, Kyer, admitted that the German shepards at the residence urinated and defecated indoors and the residence had no active heat source.
Each count was attached to one of the five dogs found inside the house.
Heaton was arrested by the BPD on Nov. 23.
According to the statement, “Based on these reports, witness statements and officers’ firsthand observations the residence contained multiple dogs living in conditions consistent with neglect. The ongoing complaints and observations indicated that the animals’ living conditions were inadequate and presented clear health and welfare concerns.”
The dogs were taken to a local veterinarian, whose evaluation showed multiple indicators of neglect and abuse, according to the probable cause statement.
After nearly three decades in the University Police Department, Heaton resigned from his position at SDSU shortly after his arrest.
— Contact Doug Kott at [email protected].
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