A Chester County man will serve at least two years in prison for stealing a vehicle this summer in Lancaster County, which resulted in the death of the victim’s dog.
Bryan J. Devoe, 31, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Lancaster County Court to felony theft and misdemeanor animal cruelty regarding the June 29 incident.
Devoe stole a woman’s SUV from Rockvale Diner on Lincoln Highway East; her dog was in the vehicle, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Berlucchi outlined in court.
The dog was abandoned and found dead.
In exchange for the plea, Devoe will serve two to four years in prison, in accordance with an agreement arranged by Berlucchi.
Judge Donald Totaro accepted the plea terms and ordered sentence.
At Tuesday’s hearing, the victim spoke about “Duke,” her Carin Terrier, which was a gift from a late relative.
The woman said the incident caused extreme sadness and loss, saying Duke was an integral part of her family.
Judge Totaro called Devoe a career criminal, with prior convictions including an aggravated assault.
East Lampeter Township police Detective Joseph Edgell filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright