GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—A man accused of dragging a stolen dog to its death in Colorado National Monument appeared in federal court to hear the charges against him.
Steven Romero is charged with aggravated animal cruelty and faces up to three years in prison if convicted. A Denver grand jury indicted him earlier this week. Romer has pleaded not guilty.
Romero’s sister, Melissa Lockhart, faces a felony charge for lying to investigators and authorities are looking to arrest her.
Prosecutors say Romero dragged the dog to its death and that his sister stole the pup and told him to “get rid” of it.
Buddy, a German shepherd mix, was found dead Dec. 30 at the monument. Romero is accused of placing a rope around Buddy’s neck and driving until the dog died.
