By Joanna Putman
Police1
WABASH COUNTY, Ill. — A former Wabash County deputy is facing criminal charges following an investigation into the death of his K-9 partner, WEVV reported.
K-9 Kiki was found dead on July 14, 2024, prompting an independent investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at the request of the Wabash County Sheriff, according to the report. At the time, the deputy involved was placed on paid administrative leave.
“A Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy failed to perform mandatory duty as required by law, in that he, as owner and custodian of Kiki, a Belgin Malinois dog, exposed the dog in a manner that placed the dog in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat that resulted in the death of an animal in violation of Section 70/3.01 (c)(1) of Chapter 510 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes,” the charging documents obtained by WSJD stated.
K-9 Kiki had served with the agency for nearly two years, according to WEVV.
Following the investigation, the Wabash County State’s Attorney’s Office sought further review from the State of Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on July 28. The deputy resigned from his position on August 8 while the case was still under review, according WEVV.
The appellate prosecutor has now filed charges, including four counts of official misconduct, one count of theft by deception, one count of animal cruelty and two counts related to animal owner duties. The investigation remains ongoing.
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