Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
ALMOST HEAVEN UPDATE!-SKIPPY RESCINDS HIS GUILTY PLEA!
10-15-09 -- American Hero Skip Eckhart
By: Bill White, The Morning Call
I shouldn't be surprised at this point by anything involving Almost Heaven dog kennel owner Derbe "Skip" Eckhart, but it happened anyway this week.
Eckhart, who pleaded guilty last month to animal cruelty and other charges, wants to rescind his plea and go to trial.
In court papers filed Sept. 28, Eckhart lawyer Jeffrey Conrad argued that his client only pleaded guilty because he was "compelled by the pressure" of a prosecution deadline on the eve of a hearing. The number of counts was reduced in exchange for his guilty plea.
Conrad wrote, "Defendant is actually innocent because the neglect that was discussed with the Court does not rise to the level of criminal culpability because Defendant was attempting to save dogs that would otherwise have been destroyed and failed to cease and desist kennel operation because of a mistake made by prior counsel in perfecting his appeal."
Wow, I may have to rethink all my conceptions about Almost Heaven. Maybe it wasn't inaptly named after all.
Skip wasn't exploiting the dogs by subjecting them to filthy, crowded, inhumane conditions. He was saving them.
It's ... heroic.
Nonetheless, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay Jenkins responded by asking the court to revoke Eckhart's bail and send him to jail until his trial, pointing out that he has repeatedly violated the state's cease and desist order on running his kennel and boarding dogs.
"Defendant has demonstrated an inability, while on bail supervision, to refrain from further criminal activity," Jenkins wrote.
Jenkins says requests to rescind guilty pleas typically are granted. If that happens, he said, the case will proceed to trial with all the original charges.
Lehigh County District Attorney office spokeswoman Debbie Garlicki said both motions will be heard by Judge Robert L. Steinberg at a hearing on Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Eckhart did the same thing after he was raided by the Pennsylvania SPCA last October. He agreed to a plea deal, then later reneged, delaying court action. I suppose some people will argue that this is just another delaying tactic.
For those of us who thought Skip finally had acknowledged his misdeeds and was headed to jail, it's a bit disturbing. I've heard from many people over the last year who have been impatient at his slow progress through the court system.
On the bright side, for you glass-half-full types, those of us who attend his trial will be treated to a full accounting of the evidence against him, not to mention the official unveiling of his amusing "I'm a dog savior" defense.
Oh, and there's one more bright note. Conviction on his complete array of charges would carry the potential for a heftier sentence and fines than he was facing under his plea. Wouldn't it be nice?
By: Bill White, The Morning Call
I shouldn't be surprised at this point by anything involving Almost Heaven dog kennel owner Derbe "Skip" Eckhart, but it happened anyway this week.
Eckhart, who pleaded guilty last month to animal cruelty and other charges, wants to rescind his plea and go to trial.
In court papers filed Sept. 28, Eckhart lawyer Jeffrey Conrad argued that his client only pleaded guilty because he was "compelled by the pressure" of a prosecution deadline on the eve of a hearing. The number of counts was reduced in exchange for his guilty plea.
Conrad wrote, "Defendant is actually innocent because the neglect that was discussed with the Court does not rise to the level of criminal culpability because Defendant was attempting to save dogs that would otherwise have been destroyed and failed to cease and desist kennel operation because of a mistake made by prior counsel in perfecting his appeal."
Wow, I may have to rethink all my conceptions about Almost Heaven. Maybe it wasn't inaptly named after all.
Skip wasn't exploiting the dogs by subjecting them to filthy, crowded, inhumane conditions. He was saving them.
It's ... heroic.
Nonetheless, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay Jenkins responded by asking the court to revoke Eckhart's bail and send him to jail until his trial, pointing out that he has repeatedly violated the state's cease and desist order on running his kennel and boarding dogs.
"Defendant has demonstrated an inability, while on bail supervision, to refrain from further criminal activity," Jenkins wrote.
Jenkins says requests to rescind guilty pleas typically are granted. If that happens, he said, the case will proceed to trial with all the original charges.
Lehigh County District Attorney office spokeswoman Debbie Garlicki said both motions will be heard by Judge Robert L. Steinberg at a hearing on Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Eckhart did the same thing after he was raided by the Pennsylvania SPCA last October. He agreed to a plea deal, then later reneged, delaying court action. I suppose some people will argue that this is just another delaying tactic.
For those of us who thought Skip finally had acknowledged his misdeeds and was headed to jail, it's a bit disturbing. I've heard from many people over the last year who have been impatient at his slow progress through the court system.
On the bright side, for you glass-half-full types, those of us who attend his trial will be treated to a full accounting of the evidence against him, not to mention the official unveiling of his amusing "I'm a dog savior" defense.
Oh, and there's one more bright note. Conviction on his complete array of charges would carry the potential for a heftier sentence and fines than he was facing under his plea. Wouldn't it be nice?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie on
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I still hope that the guilty plea is made to stand. Let him get the maximum for what he did plead to and not cost the taxpayers any more money. Let him fade into nothingness and let's use that saved money to move on to the next puppy mill owner.
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Permalink Reply by Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles on
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We can only hope the powers that be in PA make him pay to the fullest extent of the law. Sad that he gets to tie up more court time.
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Permalink Reply by HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08 on
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I actually do hope he has his day in court, taxpayers in PA are paying for this anyway, and if found "Guilty" the system will through stiffer fines and longer jail time at him, just like happened to his partner April Welter!
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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on
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Sick.
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Permalink Reply by Joanne ~ Spud* on
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There may be some positive things that come out of this situation. I fall into the category above; The glass-half-full type. The problems with Puppy Mills will be in the spot light again. As the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity. So often we have a five minute attention span and we soon forget. Almost Heaven Puppy Mill should never be forgotten. I hope this does go to trial and goes to National News. We all need a refresher from time to time. We should thank ol' Skippy for letting us never forget and keeping the fight fresh.
I have faith that he just hung himself with this stupid decision to take back his plea. A jury can not possibly sympathize with this case!
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Joanne, you are right. I was looking at it from a resource standpoint thinking we could use the savings if he just got his sentence, but "we"( that royal word) wouldn't have that money to actually go after another mill owner. And you are right about the publicity being good for exposure. So, I changed my mind and we didn't even have to have a "debate" about it.
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Permalink Reply by Adrianne Matzkin on
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Just when you thought the dogs were safe......
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