Richmond Man Sentenced for Cruelty to an Animal

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                      

March 18, 2025

Richmond Man Sentenced for Cruelty to an Animal

Mount Clemens, MI -  A 48-year-old Richmond man who lives with his father was sentenced in connection with the abuse of his father’s dog.

On Tuesday, January 17, 2025, William John Kucharski, Jr. was arraigned on the charge of Killing an Animal in the Third Degree, a four-year felony, and charged as a habitual fourth offender for allegedly strangling his father’s fully grown Labrador Retriever in their home.  The dog was found dead with Kucharski’s arms around it.  However, the veterinarian who conducted the necropsy (an autopsy for dogs) could not determine the cause of the dog’s death.  The veterinarian only determined the dog had chronic age-related issues.  

Due to the result of the necropsy and not being able to prove Kucharski caused the dog’s death, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charge of Killing an Animal in the Third Degree and the habitual fourth offender charge and added a count of Abandoning / Cruelty to one Animal, a 93-day misdemeanor.  Kucharski pled no contest. On Monday, March 17, 2025, 41-2 Romeo District Court Judge Jennifer Andary sentenced Kucharski to 63 days in jail with credit for time served and ordered a mental health evaluation. 

Kucharski also had an open warrant in St. Clair County and was arraigned today on the following charges:

• Arson in the Second Degree - 20-year felony
• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon - four-year felony
• Assault /Resisting / Obstructing a Police Officer - two-year felony

72nd Port Huron District Court Magistrate Dennis Rickert set bond at $5,000 cash/surety.  A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025.

"When we can no longer prove the original charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the right thing to do is to dismiss the charges and add the appropriate charge. Upholding the integrity of the justice system means ensuring that every decision is based on truth and fairness,” 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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