Vet takes deal in animal neglect case
A Scio veterinarian will be allowed to continue his practice while on probation after accepting a plea deal in an animal neglect case.
Brian James Dietrich, 43, owner of Scio Animal Clinic, pleaded no contest Sept. 20 in Linn County Circuit Court to three counts of second-degree animal neglect and received five years of probation.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped 27 counts of felony second-degree animal neglect, punishable by up to five years in prison.
As a condition of probation, Dietrich was required to report to the Linn County Jail by Sept. 29 to serve 48 hours in jail, with credit for time served. He must also serve 10 days on a county work crew.
While on probation, Dietrich may continue working as a veterinarian but otherwise may not have pets or livestock in his care except for a dog, two cats, one horse and two mules already in his possession. According to state records, Dietrich’s license to practice veterinary medicine remains active.
He must also surrender 25 live sheep seized by Linn County, and reimburse the county $3,134 for the animals’ care.
Dietrich was arrested in July for keeping a herd of 27 sheep in unsanitary and cramped conditions, resulting in the deaths of two of the animals and injuries to multiple others. Prosecutors were prepared to seek an enhanced sentence, claiming the neglect constituted “a violation of public trust or professional responsibility.”
Dietrich initially denied wrongdoing and was prepared to argue any injuries to the animals were in keeping with accepted veterinary and farming practices. While his pleading was not an official admission of guilt, a sentencing memorandum by defense attorney Geordie Duckler said Dietrich accepts “legal and moral responsibility for what he did.”
Aumsville woman arrested for horse abuse
An Aumsville woman has been arrested for allegedly beating a horse with a whip and authorities are seeking information regarding any similar instances of alleged abuse.
On Sept. 4, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9300 block of Smith Road SE and contacted Geneva Marie Boston, 28, about a video leaked online that day.
The video, published by digital newspaper NW Horse Report, depicts a woman believed to be Boston striking a horse repeatedly over the back and face with a whip for around 90 seconds. Oregon law allows the use of whips in proper equestrianship, but not solely to cause an animal pain.
Boston was arrested for aggravated animal abuse and booked into the Marion County Jail. She was released on her own recognizance Sept. 6 with orders to return to court Oct. 4.
If convicted, Boston faces up to five years in prison.
Those with information about this incident or other alleged abuse by Boston are asked to contact Detective Jeremy Schwab at 503-930-6294 or [email protected].
Boston had previous contact with law enforcement in 2021 after allegedly scamming a McMinnville teenager who was trying to re-home her horse before moving to college.
According to NW Horse Report, Boston took possession of the horse under a trial purchase agreement. She then told the owner the horse suddenly died and she would not honor the purchase agreement, but it was later revealed Boston sold the horse at auction in Montana.
Boston was accused of laundering the title to the horse and the sheriff’s office became involved. No charges were filed and the horse was returned to the owner in a civil settlement.
Woman injured in Stayton assault
A Stayton man is looking at hard time after allegedly causing serious injury to a woman during a domestic dispute.
Jeremy Don Ellis, 42, was indicted Sept. 5 in Marion County Circuit Court for second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault for an incident Aug. 26 in Stayton.
He allegedly punched a woman in the back of the head and continued to punch and kick her after she fell to the floor, causing a shattered cheekbone. The victim’s daughter attempted to intervene and Ellis allegedly punched her in the face multiple times.
Ellis was booked Aug. 27 into the Marion County Jail and as of press time remained held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
He faces at least 70 months in prison and on Sept. 6 prosecutors filed their intent to seek a lengthier sentence. They claim Ellis has shown no remorse and prior convictions have not changed his behavior.
Ellis’ most recent conviction was in 2017 for DUII, resisting arrest and felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation. After he failed to complete mental health and substance abuse treatment, he was re-sentenced in 2020 to 30 months in prison and two years of post-prison supervision.
Arrest for alleged domestic beating
A Stayton man has been charged with kidnapping and assault after the alleged prolonged beating of a local woman.
Sean Donovon Newell, 36, was indicted Sept. 18 in Marion County Circuit Court on first-degree kidnapping, fourth-degree assault, strangulation and coercion.
He was arrested Sept. 4 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after allegedly attacking an Aumsville woman repeatedly and refusing to let the victim leave. If convicted, he faces at least 90 months in prison. As of press time, he remained in the Marion County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Newell was previously convicted of fourth-degree domestic assault in 2015 and 2017 involving separate victims.
Rape charge filed
A Stayton man has pleaded not guilty to alleged rape and domestic assault and is scheduled to stand trial in October.
Mark Dean Graham, 65, pleaded not guilty Aug. 16 in Marion County Circuit Court to first-degree rape, strangulation, fourth-degree assault and contempt of court. He has waived his right to a jury trial and is scheduled for a bench trial Oct. 27 before Judge Thomas Hart.
Graham was arrested July 29 for alleged domestic assault, then again July 31 after he allegedly contacted the victim in violation of a pretrial release agreement. As authorities investigated the assault, it was revealed Graham allegedly raped the victim in 2020.
If convicted, he faces at least 100 months in prison. Prosecutors are seeking additional prison time, claiming Graham has a violent history and was not deterred by previous felony assault convictions.
