TV and movie actor Dimitri Diatchenko was involved in a Domestic Violence incident with his ex-girlfriend. The actor is facing felony animal cruelty charges after allegedly killing, skinning, and cooking his ex-girlfriend’s pet bunny. He is accused of taking pictures of every step along the way and sending them to her, ending with him eating the pet. When the woman returned home, he told her he would do the same to her.
Animal Cruelty in Weld County
Colorado law defines Animal Abuse / Animal Cruelty – C.R.S 18-9-202 – as:
(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.
1.5 (a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
(b) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
In this case, Aggravated Animal Cruelty would be charged because the actor allegedly killed the bunny. In Weld, Morgan and Logan County, this animal abuse is considered a class 6 felony punishable with possible prison time, jail time or probation.
Domestic Violence in Greeley
Because this offense was committed against his ex-girlfriend, the Domestic Violence sentence enhancer would be added to the Animal Cruelty charge. This would lead to harsher punishments including Domestic Violence treatment and obeying the mandatory protection order issued upon arrest in Greeley, Evans, and Erie.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009. We can also meet with your friend or family member at the Weld County Jail. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – MikeBirdy