UPDATE IN ROLO DEATH CASE

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced Andrew L. Mayer, 29, of Toms River, who was indicted on June 30, 2015, for the death of his dog (Rolo), yesterday (9/26) entered a guilty plea before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. to one count of 3rd Degree Animal Cruelty. Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman is seeking 364 days in Ocean Jail as a condition of probation, restitution for first responders, and a waiver of owning companion animals. The tentative sentence date is set for December 9th before Judge Blaney.

The case stems from Mayer’s acts on March 1, 2015, when he allegedly purposely, knowingly or recklessly failed to provide necessary care for and protection of his dog from harm by driving his pickup truck onto the frozen Toms River and as a result the vehicle cracked through the ice and his dog died.

Mayer then failed to notify authorities of this incident when he got safely to shore, resulting in a huge rescue operation that took place for hours involving the United States Coast Guard’s Aviation Unit, The New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, NJ State Police/local marine units, multiple local police departments, fire companies and First Aid squads from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and Island Heights.

This case was a joint investigation by the NJ State Police, NJ SPCA, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Toms River, Pine Beach, Beachwood and Island Heights Police Departments.

Toms River Search & Recovery Operations

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