Judge Throws Out The Case!
Immediate News Release
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
Orlando, Florida
Wednesday, after a long two and a half year battle to defend his actions, Christopher Comins was acquitted of all charges. Just before noon in the Orange County, Florida Courthouse, Judge Bob LeBlanc handed down his ruling after the Prosecution presented all of their witnesses and rested their case.
Chris's attorney, Chandler Muller made a Motion to Dismiss. After further debate, the Judge handed down his judgment based on the failure of the State to present a case for animal abuse. "He (Chris) was asked to shoot the dogs (by the cattle and land owners). He did not go into the field to abuse animals. You have failed to prove otherwise", Judge LeBlanc told the Prosecution. He further stated, "This was not someone who was torturing an animal".
It wasn't until the May 19th, 2008 video hit the internet that the event was "noticed" by opportunist. No charges were brought the day of the incident or even after the original investigation by Ag Corporal Walker. It was only after his case concluded that Chris "acted within the legal scope of the law", that it was suddenly snatched out of his hands and turned over to another investigator. The second Ag investigator, after an intense three month investigation, came to the conclusion that Chris would be charged with one count of misdemeanor animal abuse charges.
Then, suddenly and without notice to the investigator, the one charge would be upgraded to two felony animal abuse counts. Chris was arrested at his home, Thanksgiving morning 2008.
Friends and those who looked beyond the garbage and lies posted on the internet, knew the facts of the case. We stood by Chris throughout this most difficult time for him and his family.
Chris acted within the law that day. He did not want to go out into the field. He is not a hunter and had never before even shot at an animal. After he found out that what he believed to be wolves, turned out to be dogs and that the dogs actually belonged to someone, Chris was heartbroken. He has owned dogs all his life. He like most people that day believed that the dogs were wolves. But whether they were wolves, dogs or coyotes, he did what he believed to be right.
The ordeal lasted over two and a half years. The Defense did not waiver. During a status hearing in April 2009, the Prosecution offered Chris a plea bargain- cut the two felony counts to two misdemeanors, with restrictions. Chris and his council rejected the deal.
Just prior to the trial, after witnesses were interviewed, the Prosecution offered yet another plea deal- drop the charges to one misdemeanor count, with restrictions. Once again, Chris rejected the offer. The Defense wanted all charges dropped and Chris's name completely cleared. Wednesday the law agreed.
Judge LeBlanc ended the trial with, "I believe the state has not proven it's burden in this case and I'm granting a Judgement of Acquittal. This case is dismissed."
We wish to thank all the people who have sought the facts in this case and stood by our friends' side. We are thankful that the truth finally won out.
767.03 Good defense for killing dog.
In any action for damages or of a criminal prosecution against any person for killing or injuring a dog, satisfactory proof that said dog had been or was killing any animal included in the definitions of "domestic animal" and "livestock" as provided by s. 585.01 shall constitute a good defense to either of such actions.
History.--s. 1, ch. 4978, 1901; GS 3144; RGS 4959; CGL 7046; s. 1, ch. 79-315; s. 2, ch. 94-339.
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Last modified: March 26, 2010
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