A jury found the operators of a Manatee County shelter guilty of felony animal cruelty and fraud nearly a year to the day after the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confiscated more than 300 animals from deplorable conditions at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary.
After the verdict, Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen said he wanted to thank the jury members for their efforts, noting they listened to nearly 50 witnesses during the eight-day trial.
“We’re very happy with the verdict from the jurors,” Franzen added. “They were able to give a voice to the animals for what they went through.”
Alan S. Napier, 52, and his wife, Sheree Lee Napier, 46, were found guilty on eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of a scheme to defraud.
Alan Napier also was found guilty of unlawful solicitation of funds in connection with shelter operations.
On three counts of animal cruelty, the jury found the Napiers not guilty. Jurors also found Sheree Napier not guilty on one count of unlawful solicitation.
Alan Napier is being held in the Manatee County jail. Sheree Napier is out on bond.
Their sentencing hearing is set for 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, before 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Peter Dubenski.
In addition to the Napiers, law enforcement initially had charged a veterinarian with one count of cruelty to animals.
Edward E. Dunham, D.V.M., 77, of Palmetto, agreed to a 12-month pre-trial diversion contract Dec. 17, requiring him to testify truthfully against the Napiers. As part of his plea, he was required to surrender his veterinary license.