- Ohio, USA -
On March 14, 2025, the Madison County Sheriff's Office arrested 41-year-old STEPHEN ANTHONY GOSSMEYER (pictured) and charged him with animal cruelty and tampering with records.
According to the probable cause affidavit, deputies had received multiple reports regarding animal neglect at GOSSMEYER’s home suspecting also the presence of deceased animals.
Additionally, reports alerted deputies to a possible probation violation.
GOSSMEYER is on probation for a 2022 indictment on two felony charges of theft by deception.
On March 14, the probation officer accompanied deputies to GOSSMEYER’s home to conduct a search of the property that had been requested by the Chief Probation Officer.
According to the affidavit, GOSSMEYER’s probation officer asked him whether he had any deceased dogs and to that GOSSMEYER answered: “I told you already, no.”
However, upon searching the residence, deputies discovered one dead dog buried in rubble.
GOSSMEYER then stated that he did not have any more deceased dogs but according to the affidavit, deputies found eight other dead dogs.
Deputies also found seven live dogs who were extremely malnourished and starving and found evidence that the furvictims had chewed on their cages out of hunger. The search additionally led to the discovery of frogs, lizards, parrots, snakes, and spiders.
The residence was covered with piles of trash and filled with empty cages indicating clear signs of neglect.
A forensic veterinarian responded to the scene to attempt to determine the cause of death of the deceased dogs. Some of the furvictims likely starved to death, while others had been dead for so long that their bodies were decomposing.
The Animal Humane Society picked up the animals while the live dogs who were microchipped were reunited with their families.
It is alleged that GOSSMEYER came into possession of the dogs after claiming to be a trainer.
Authorities allege that GOSSMEYER lied to his probation officer about training dogs for the U.S. Border Patrol. In February of this year, GOSSMEYER asked his probation officer for permission to travel to Texas to train dogs for the agency.
According to the affidavit, on March 5, GOSSMEYER provided a document which confirmed his employment for a private K-9 detection and apprehension training seminar for U.S. Border Patrol, but the document was later proven to be falsified.
At the time of writing, online records show that GOSSMEYER remains held in the Madison County Jail on a $25,000 bond and is set to appear in court on April 28, 2025.
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In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
GOSSMEYER’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
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