On Tuesday, February 11th at approximately 9:35 P.M. Plymouth Police Officer Krynock initiated a traffic stop on 20 year old, Kiegan D. Willis of Elkhart for a traffic infraction. During the course of the investigation of the traffic stop it was found that Willis had an active warrant through Marshall County for three counts of Neglect or Abandonment of a Vertebrate Animal. Willis was transported to the Marshall County Jail and held on a $755 bond.
The charges of the warrant stem from Marshall County Sheriff’s Officer Hafke being dispatched to a home in the 200 block of Main Street in Lapaz on March 6th of 2019. Upon arriving to the location Officer Hafke located three caged dogs without access to food and water.
The landlord of the residence, Terry Van Dyne advised that Jesse Heminger was the on the rental agreement for the apartment.
The Marshall County Humane Society was contacted and responded to the Main Street residence and took possession of the dogs.
On March 7th it was advised by the Marshall County Humane Society Head Director Nancy Cox that Kiegan Willis had come to the shelter and stated that he was the owner of the three dogs that had been placed in the care of the shelter and relinquished his rights to the dogs.
Officer Hafke questioned Kiegan Willis on March 15th 2019 where he admitted to being the owner of the dogs. Probable cause was found to issue an active warrant for Willis arrest.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
