Republic couple has most charges dismissed in animal cruelty case
A Republic couple accused of cruelty to animals and endangering the welfare of children had most of the charges withdrawn at their preliminary hearing Monday.
After receiving reports about a dead dog tied up, Redstone Township police searched the backyard of Lavada Monique Mickens’ and Christopher Lee Jordan’s home on Legion Street in August.
According to the criminal complaint, police saw a dead Rottweiler tied to a heavy tow chain in the backyard. There were large amount of flies around the deceased animal, who was dirty and had its ribs showing, the complaint said.
During the course of the investigation, police said they discovered a 12-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl were living with Mickens and Jordan.
The children told police that they were not staying at the Legion Street apartment, but with a relative who lived miles away in Tower Hill. Police said the juveniles needed food, and walked from Tower Hill to Legion Street apartment. Because they didn’t have a key into the apartment, they would usually climb through an unlocked window several feet off the ground to get inside because Mickens told them to do that, police allege.
Mickens and Jordan, both 34 years old, were each charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of children, three counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of failing to properly license a dog, according to court documents.
Their preliminary hearing was Monday before Magisterial District Judge Michael Defino.
Defino said the charges of endangering the welfare of children along with cruelty to animals and failing to license dogs were withdrawn. He said the Mickens and Jordan each pleaded guilty to one count of not possessing a dog license.
During the investigation, police said there was a second Rottweiler chained up next to the dead dog. Police allege that this animal was lethargic and needed veterinary care.
The complaint said that the living dog and the deceased dog shared the same living conditions – both animals lacked food or water.
Police said there was a third dog — a large breed Mastiff puppy — tied to an area in full sunlight with no food, water or proper shelter. Police allege that the dog was panting heavily and underweight.
The complaint said local residents reported feeding the animals for days because there was no food being provided by the owners.
In the meantime, the complaint said two members of the community, names not provided, offered their assistance in taking care and housing the two remaining animals until the police investigation into the matter was complete.
Mickens and Jordan’s attorney, Pat McDaniel, said the animals are licensed and have been returned to their owners.
“The dogs are healthy and well cared for,” he said.
McDaniel said the children are fine and are back with their family.
Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli said he had no comment on the case.