Troy B. Whitson, 21, pled guilty by way of Alford plea to one count of first-degree animal cruelty in Lewis County Superior Court Monday.
Though he does not admit guilt as outlined by the special plea, he agrees that the evidence against him would most likely lead to a guilty verdict in a jury trial.
He will spend 30 days in jail for that charge.
Whitson was originally charged with two counts of first-degree animal cruelty on allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with two malamute dogs in October 2008.
The second charge was dismissed in a plea deal offered by the state, pending his guilty plea.
The bargain also requires that Whitson undergo a psychosexual evaluation and a two-year probationary period forcing him to give face-to-face updates to the state.
Defense attorney Jonathan Meyer requested Monday that his client not be required to attend the evaluation, saying that Whitson did not have sexual contact with the animals and therefore had no need for psychological scrutiny. Judge James Lawler denied that request.
Though he was arrested and booked into Lewis County jail right after his hearing Monday, Whitson’s sentence may have been more of a relief than a burden.
“I’ve been going through a lot of hard times lately,” Whitson said in a statement to Lawler. “I’m just kind of glad it’s gettin’ over with.”
The prosecution’s plea deal also restricts Whitson from owning animals for at least two years, said Lewis County Prosecutor Michael Golden.
Lawler said the sentence may have been more substantial if Whitson had any other charges under his belt.
Andy Campbell: (360) 807-8208
