- Montana, USA -
In early June 2023, deputies with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a veterinary clinic in Billings after 26-years-old TIFFANY DYCE OPIE and 35-years-old JEREMY PATRICK OPIE (both pictured), brought a cat with a litter of seven kittens who were malnourished.
Deputies learned from a member of staff that the duo had also brought to the clinic a dog who was emaciated.
When the OPIES returned to the clinic, a deputy met with them at their truck. Billings Gazette reports that according to court documents, the vehicle “reeked of feces and rotten meat.” Inside the truck, the deputy found two cats and at least six dogs. All the furbabies showed signs of starvation.
An Animal Control Officer with the Billings Police Department advised getting the cats and the dogs assessed by the clinic. At first, the OPIES were opposed to that and accused the deputy of trying to take the animals away, but then agreed to the examination.
Among the dogs was an 11-month-old Great Dane mix named Finn whose state was so critical that the furbaby had to be carried into the clinic on a stretcher. Finn was sadly euthanized and a necropsy was performed. Results showed his body was almost completely emaciated and there was evidence of trauma.
The Voiceless Victims were later placed in the care of local shelters. An employee of one of the shelters, reported to the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office that JEREMY PATRICK OPIE was on a “no-adopt list.” According to court documents, OPIE had adopted an Akita mix, who was later found chained up outside a camper.
Another twist in the case came to light after the sheriff’s office began to investigate the case against OPIE. Deputies learned that JEREMY PATRICK OPIE was a sex offender who failed to report his most recent address to the sheriff’s office. With regards to the sex offender status, in 2006, OPIE was sentenced in Fergus County for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl.
Following the investigation into the animal cruelty case, the OPIES were charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Additionally, JEREMY PATRICK OPIE was charged with one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
The duo pleaded not guilty and were released from custody on the condition they did not have contact with any animals.
In September, the OPIES were witnessed by two people near a dog park in the Heights abusing dogs. According to the witnesses, TIFFANY DYCE OPIE was dragging a small dog by a choke collar into a truck, while JEREMY PATRICK OPIE was punching a Rottweiler in the head.
The pair were once again arrested under suspicion of violating the conditions of their release.
JEREMY PATRICK OPIE told officials that his wife had been buying animals through Facebook and had been bringing them to their trailer. He then let officers search the trailer. Officers found several cats, a parakeet, a large python, and three dogs, including a Rottweiler.
According to the officers, the floor of the trailer was filled with trash and feces. JEREMY PATRICK OPIE remained in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on a $100,000 bond and on Friday, October 6, 2023, he appeared in Yellowstone County District Court via teleconference. After reaching an agreement with prosecutors in late September, OPIE pleaded guilty to aggravated animal abuse. As part of the deal, prosecutors will recommend he serve seven years with the Montana Department of Corrections, all of which would be suspended.
OPIE admitted to depriving the animals of food, water, and healthcare.
During the hearing, District Judge Ashley Harada told OPIE: “As far as I’m concerned, you are one of the most dangerous people in this community.” And yet, she unbelievably allowed OPIE’s release from custody until his sentencing which has yet to be scheduled. In my opinion, judge Harada needs to look up the meaning of “dangerous”, and I believe that she is a dangerous judge if she thinks it’s safe to allow OPIE out on the streets.
As for TIFFANY DYCE OPIE, she is scheduled for trial later this month. In addition to the aggravated animal cruelty charges, she is facing counts of attempting to tamper with evidence and criminal contempt.
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