Houlton man sentenced in dog killing

4 years ago

HOULTON, Maine —A Houlton man who was one of two people arrested and charged in connection with the killing of a dog last year pleaded guilty to the crime in Aroostook County Superior Court in Caribou last month.

Kevin G. Cummings, 27, of Houlton pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty on Sept. 27 and was sentenced to 9 months in jail and a $35 fine.

Brian Vrieze, 27, of Hodgdon, who also was charged in connection with the case, has not yet had his case settled. He is scheduled for a docket call at 9 a.m. on Oct.30 in Caribou, during which the case may be scheduled for a future hearing or trial.

The incident occurred on Nov. 26, 2018, according to the Houlton Police Department.

Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said that officers responded to a call that evening at an apartment complex on School Street. Officers determined that “the incident involved the abuse and death of a dog,” according to Deluca.

Vrieze, who also was at the apartment complex, was charged with cruelty to animals.

Police have not released any additional details about the case or what led up to the dog’s killing. The breed of the animal or if it was owned by either of the men was not available.