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State Police Investigation Clears Cecil County SPCA
State's Attorney Reveals Former Employees Lied, Forensics Prove Accusations False; Says Del. Smigiel's actions could be reviewed by State Prosecutor
CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD-A state's attorney and a Maryland State Police investigation into allegations against the Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. (CCSPCA), which were published on the Internet by Del. Michael Smigiel (R-36), have concluded there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing and that fired employees lied about their accusations.
Caroline County State's Attorney Jonathan G. Newell reported on his review of a detailed State Police investigation and report in a June 1, 2009 letter sent to Cecil County State's Attorney Christopher Eastridge, who asked for an independent review outside Cecil County.
"Despite a very thorough investigation by Sgt. [David] Riggs, in my opinion none of the allegations of criminal animal cruelty on the part of current or past employees of the CCSPCA are credible enough to be prosecuted," Mr. Newell stated. The State Police investigation began in January, 2009.
The State Police report, based upon extensive forensic investigation, subpoenaed documents, witness interviews and polygraph examination, concluded there was no credible evidence against the CCSPCA. Mr. Newell revealed that Natasha Ewing, a key "witness," failed a polygraph examination and then admitted to police she had lied about her allegations against the SPCA on the directive of her husband, Carl Ewing, who Mr. Newell concluded "also lied."
Carl and Natasha Ewing were fired in 2008 from employment by CCSPCA. Mr. Newell concluded that, based upon the facts, the lack of physical evidence to support their allegations and Carl Ewing's "admission of drug use," the prosecutor "cannot give any weight to the potential testimony of the Ewings."
He also said that his review of the State Police report, which was not released, concluded that there was nothing more than "gut feelings" on the part of another fired employee, Erin Miller, in her allegations on veterinary medical care. He did not address her claims that she was not trained or authorized to perform certain duties, when in fact State Department of Agriculture documents prove her allegation to be false.
The state's attorney added that, based upon the false testimony and comprehensive forensic and other investigations, "A series of ill-fated and unfounded criminal charges will do nothing but fan the flames of discontent while wasting further taxpayer resources."
The letter also reported that "many volunteers, current employees and past employees (including those that are not the subject of any allegations) deny seeing any abuse." This report shows the fundamental falsity of the allegations made by Del. Smigiel's chief "witnesses" against the CCSPCA that he published without credible corroboration on his Internet "blog." Furthermore, the letter details extensive forensic examination of the CCSPCA property and facilities that produced evidence that disproved the allegations.
State Police investigators, including firearms experts, "conducted an extensive search" and concluded it was "abundantly obvious to anyone with a modicum of firearms training" that the Ewings' allegations of animals "shot" to death with guns on the SPCA property were false, the letter said. Police experts conducted test-firings that confirmed holes in a wooden shed were made by a non-lethal tranquilizer dart rifle. The tranquilizer dart rifle must be calibrated and test-fired periodically to ensure proper and safe performance in animal control work. Investigators found no evidence of any other holes, casings, etc., on the property which they also ruled "had not been disturbed" in any way.
Importantly, Mr. Newell states that the Ewings could have been charged criminally for "making a false statement to a police officer." However, he notes that because Delegate Smigiel intervened and took statements from them and Smigiel "then provided them to the police, a prosecution would likely fail in the end."
In a follow up letter, dated June 9, 2009, Mr. Newell added that "Delegate Smigiel's rush to publish those statements on his blog, for whatever purpose, contributed to the situation that I characterized as 'a mess.' " He also suggested that action could be taken against Del. Smigiel through complaints to the State's special prosecutor.
"To the extent that anyone feels that Delegate Smigiel may have committed malfeasance, i.e., abuse of his public office, in his pursuit of claims against the CCSPCA or his attempt to secure the Cecil County animal control contract for himself, I would refer him or her to the Office of the State Prosecutor for Maryland who has the authority to investigate such matters."
Mr. Newell, a Republican, serves in Caroline County which is included in the legislative district of Del. Smigiel, who is also a Republican.
The CCSPCA continues to provide animal control services under contract with the Cecil County government and is currently in negotiations with the county on a new contract to be effective in July.
PET OF THE WEEK
MARLEY
Whippet mix, energetic, needs fenced in area with lots of room to run. Came in as a stray , will need some leash training. We feel Marley is beginning to get kennel stressed and really needs a loving home. Marley will bark when you approach his kennel but it's not aggressive in anyway it's just to get your attention. Marley is not good with other dogs.
A.S.P.C.A. & H.S.U.S. complete SPCA inspections. CLICK HERE
A special thanks to WXCY and the Mike & Paula in the Morning Show and to WJBR's Michael Wade & Jill Quale & staff for all of the work they have done for us!
Visit Our Full Service Veterinary Hospital
Pet & Equine VETERINARY HOSPITAL
410-885-2687 for the animal hospital only.
A Div. Of Cecil County SPCA Inc.
Click here for more information about our vet hospital.
Low Cost Vaccine Clinic and appointments available Mon.,Wed.,Thurs. and Fri. 8:30am till 4:30pm
& Saturday 9am till 1pm
Spay appointments available Mon.,Wed.,Thurs.
Neuter appointments available Mon.,Wed.,Thurs. and Fri.
VET
CLINIC IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY & SUNDAY
We also have a feral cat spay/neuter day once a month.
Their is an office visit fee for all appointments scheduled & any exams.
DO NOT E-MAIL COMPLAINTS, THEY MUST BE CALLED INTO AN OFFICER AT THE SPCA TO BE HANDLED PROPERLY
CECIL COUNTY SPCA INC.
Eastern Shore Animal Rescue League
3280 AUGUSTINE HERMAN HWY.
P.O. BOX 665 CHESAPEAKE CITY MD. 21915
FOR THE SPCA OR THE RESCUE CALL
PH: 410-398-9555, 410-885-2342
FAX: 410-885-2910
WE ARE OPEN MON-FRI 8:30am to 4:30pm and SAT 9am to 1pm
WE ARE OPEN MON- SAT FOR ADOPTIONS.
Open on Saturday's from 9:00-1:00 for Viewing animals, ADOPTIONS and clinic ONLY. WE WILL NOT BE TAKING ANY ANIMALS IN!
(Please note that we are open on Saturdays to provide veterinary sevices and adoptions, therefore only the veterinary hospital phone is answered.)
THERE WILL NOT BE ANY AVAILABLE STAFF ON SATURDAY TO TAKE IN EITHER STRAY OR OWNER SURRENDER DOGS OR CATS OR TAKE ANIMAL CONTROL COMPLAINTS.
CLOSED SUNDAYS!
