Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports that Jamie L. Waters, dob 6-27-90 of Saratoga Springs, NY and Angelica B. Prisco dob 5-29-96 of Saratoga Springs, NY both pled guilty today in Saratoga Springs City Court to charges filed against them involving the abandonment of animals and exposure of a child to their failure to provide sustenance to animals.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department’s investigation revealed that the two defendants maintained an apartment in Saratoga Springs where they had numerous small animals, including guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits. They subsequently moved from the apartment, leaving the small animals there. Maintenance workers at the apartment building discovered the abandoned animals after a water main break and reported the situation to the SSPD. The police investigation determined that Waters and Prisco failed to provide proper food, water and sustenance to the animals left in the apartment and had also endangered a child by exposing the child to the situation.
Prisco plead guilty to Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, in violation of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353. She was sentenced by Saratoga Spring City Court Judge Jeffrey Wait to 3 years’ probation, restitution for the cost of the care of the animals discovered by the police at the abandoned residence. Judge Wait also directed that she not own, foster or care for animals during her probationary term. Waters plead guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for having knowingly acted in a manner that was injurious to the physical, mental and moral welfare of a child less than 17 years old by exposing the child to the apartment where the animals were not cared for properly. Judge Wait also sentenced her to 3 years’ probation, directed to not own, foster or care for animals during her probationary term and provide restitution for the cost of the care of the animals discovered by police at the abandoned residence.
DA Heggen said, “The SSPD worked diligently with the Saratoga County Animal Shelter to assure that the animals found at the defendant’s abandoned apartment were cared for and made available for adoption. It was important for all involved that the animals received the care and attention they deserve. Defendants Prisco and Waters today admitted their guilt and took responsibility for their actions. The sentences imposed today by Judge Jeffrey Wait will ensure they are compliant with the conditions of their sentences- including not owning, fostering or caring for animals during their probationary terms.”
Heggen also praised the work of ADA Charles O. Bucca who prosecuted the case. “ADA Bucca worked tirelessly with all involved in this case to achieve a just and appropriate resolution. Each defendant pled to the most serious charged filed against them, as that is what justice demanded in this case.”