Animal Abuser Sentenced to Jail for Death of Husky Puppy

Phoenix, AZ – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing of Lester Paul Richmond (DOB: 11/87) for the extreme abuse and death of a husky puppy in June 2023. Richmond pled guilty to one count of Intentionally or Knowingly Subjecting an Animal to Cruel Mistreatment, a Class Six undesignated felony. Under the plea agreement, Richmond received the maximum penalty allowed for a first-time offender.

“Individuals who abuse animals are more likely to harm people,” said County Attorney Mitchell. “This sentence sends a strong message that animal cruelty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Richmond had two arrest warrants issued for failing to appear in court, but thanks to the efforts of MCAO Animal Cruelty Detective Heather Krimm and Scottsdale detectives, he was ultimately located and brought to justice.

This week, Richmond was sentenced to one year in county jail with no credit for time served, followed by three years of supervised probation. The court also made the charge a permanent felony. As part of his probation, Richmond is banned from owning any animals and must complete the Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Course, an online animal cruelty prevention program. He is also required to pay restitution.

“Animals are voiceless, and we must be their voice,” said Detective Krimm.

For more information, contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.