FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
January 17, 2025
Richmond Man Arraigned for Strangling Dog to Death
Mount Clemens, MI - A 48-year-old Richmond man who lives with his father was arraigned in connection with the death of his father’s dog.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, William John Kucharski, Jr. strangled his father’s fully grown Labrador Retriever in their home resulting in the dog’s death. Kucharski, Jr. was charged with Killing an Animal in the Third Degree, a four-year felony, which is the strictest penalty under Michigan law for killing an animal. He was charged as a habitual fourth offender which may result in a stricter penalty. Kucharski, Jr. is currently in the custody of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and is hospitalized.
Kucharski, Jr. was arraigned at his hospital bed by 41-2 Romeo District Court Judge Jennifer Andary who set bond at $150,000 cash/surety only, no 10%. If released on bond he is to have no contact with animals or witnesses, no alcohol or drugs, no assaulting or threatening behavior, and must wear a GPS tether. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 10:00 am and a Preliminary Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 9:00 am.
Kucharski, Jr. is also charged in Lapeer County with Second Degree Arson, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Resisting and Obstructing a Police officer. Lapeer County will schedule his arraignment.
"It is alarming to see innocent animals subjected to such cruelty. I urge everyone who believes in harsher consequences for animal abuse and the loss of animal life to contact their state legislature and push for changes in the law that will allow for stricter penalties for these heinous acts,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All those accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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