| Angela Christine Acampora |
Neglect of 31 exotic animals |
Falling Waters, Berkeley County, WV |
May 18,2004 |
Acampora, age 25 has been charged
with keeping more than 30 exotic animals inside a mobile home without food
or water turned herself and was charged with 30 additional counts of animal
cruelty. The animals were turned over to the Berkeley County animal
Control for custody.
Acampora, 25, was charged on August 2nd 2004 with one misdemeanor
count of animal cruelty. When she did not appear in Berkeley County Magistrate
Court for the preliminary hearing, Berkeley County Assistant Prosecutor Joshua
Henline asked that a warrant be issued for Acampora's arrest.
Acampora turned herself in and was arraigned on the 30 additional charges
of animal cruelty. Acampora told Assistant Prosecutor Henline she did not
receive notice in the mail of the earlier hearing.
A preliminary hearing was rescheduled for September 27, 2004. Acampora's bail
was increased from $2,500 to $50,000, which she posted.
Several fish, 2 sea urchins 2 hermit crabs, 2 sea anemones, a tree frog, an
emperor scorpion and a lizard that were seized from Acampora’s trailer have
died, said Animal Control Officer Donna McMahan.
The surviving animals include an albino hedgehog, ferrets, cockatiels, a boa
constrictor, an alligator and several kinds of fish and lizards. The surviving
animals are being cared for at a local pet store.
Animal Control officers euthanized a confiscated snakehead fish, which is
a threat to our ecosystems.
Although 32 animals were seized, 31 charges of animal cruelty were filed.
Assistant Prosecutor Henline said Acampora could not be charged for the snakehead
because it had to be destroyed.
Acampora previously told Animal Control officers that she was in Florida for
a "legal emergency" and that she had only been gone for a week when
the animals were seized. Acampora said a friend was supposed to take care
of the animals while she was gone.
Two unrelated charges of writing bogus checks were also filed against Acampora.
One of the checks was for more than $500, making the charge a felony.
If convicted for animal cruelty Acampora could be sentenced to up to six months
in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Reference:
The Hagerstown Washington County Herald