Community Corner

'Patrick the Pit Bull' Defendant Denied Admission to Pretrial Program

Curtis plans to appeal prosecutor's office decision

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has rejected the application by Kisha C. Curtis for entry into the pretrial intervention program, the office announced in a statement Friday. Curtis faces animal cruelty charges for her treatment of the dog dubbed “Patrick the Pit Bull,” a case which has captured the attention of animal lovers across the country. 

PTI is a so-called “diversionary” program, under which defendants can have charges pending against them dismissed upon successful completion.

On Mar. 29, 2011, Curtis, 28, of Newark, was charged with fourth degree animal cruelty after her one-year-old pit bull was found at the bottom of a trash chute in an apartment complex in Newark on Mar. 16, 2011. The dog was named “Patrick” because he was discovered just before St. Patrick’s Day.
 
Curtis’ attorney plans to appeal the prosecutor’s decision. A hearing is scheduled April 8 at 1:30 p.m. to review the appeal.




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