A Monmouth County couple who were indicted Monday may spend nearly five years in state prison if convicted of causing a two-year old pit-bull mix to become abused earlier this year.

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office logo
Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office logo
loading...

The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office says Andre Parker, 31, of Asbury Park took the dog from his home on Sunset Avenue and left it with Tara Robinson, 43,  at her home in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township then denied doing so or having any knowledge of an injured dog to police.

The dog was found behind Robinson's couch two-days following an investigation earlier this year following an anonymous tip to Neptune Township Police.

Robinson had denied having an injured dog inside to police before they made the discovery.

An anonymous tip resulted in the MCSPCA to investigate Parker about the accusations of animal abuse.

"Destiny" was found severely dehydrated, malnourished and had several untreated and infected wounds.

She couldn't stand or raiser her head under her own power and Destiny was then taken to the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital for treatment where she later made a full recovery.

Recently, Destiny was adopted by a family approved by the MCSPCA.

The 14-count indictment follows a joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA), Asbury Park and Neptune Township police departments.

Parker was charged with three counts of third degree Animal Cruelty, two counts of fourth degree Hindering Apprehension, one count of fourth degree Tampering with Evidence, and one count of fourth degree Obstruction.

Robinson was charged with two counts of third degree Animal Cruelty, four counts of fourth degree Hindering Apprehension and one count of fourth degree Obstruction.

If convicted of Animal Cruelty, they both face a sentence of three to five years in a state prison.

If convicted of any of the fourth degree offenses, they'll face up to 18 months in state prison on each count.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

More From WOBM:

More From 92.7 WOBM