MARATHON COUNTY (WAOW) -
UPDATE - The woman accused in a brutal case of animal abuse will return to a Marathon County Courthouse December 3, 2012 for an arraignment. 20-year old Sean Janas is expected to enter a plea at that time to a felony animal abuse case. If convicted on the charge, she could face 5 years behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines. The case as attracted worldwide attention.
31 October 2012 - The woman accused in a dog abuse case that has attracted world-wide attention made a court appearance. As Sean Janas made her appearance in a Marathon County courtroom, protestors gathered outside the courthouse. Many of them carried signs and brought their dogs, to show support for the dog, Mary, that Janas is accused of poisoning and killing.
Inside the Wausau courtroom, 20-year old Sean Janas, waived her right to a preliminary hearing. The judge then found there is enough evidence to send her to trial. Janas faces a felony charge of animal abuse and two misdemeanor charges. Prosecutors say Janas poisoned Mary and tortured her, before her death, last June.
Janas heads back to court in November, for a hearing to set a date for an arraignment. At that hearing, Janas will enter a plea to the charges. Newsline 9 asked Public Defender, Dave Casey for his comments on the case, he declined to do an on-camera interview but said, "This case is in the very preliminary stages, so it would be inappropriate to make any statements."
Prosecutors say they have been inundated with thousands of letters from people who say they want Janas to receive the maximum penalty in the abuse case. If convicted on the charges, Janas faces 5 years behind bars and $30,000 in fines.
