Magistrate Court Reviews Animal Cruelty Cases

Jasper County Magistrate Court Judge Chrissy Mason reviewed and ruled on several criminal cases last week.

•State of Georgia vs. Jose S. Lizalde—guilty plea to cruelty to animals x 6, failure to vaccinate animal against rabies x 6, and failure to provide humane care x 6. Sentenced to 36 months of probation, community service, fined $5,400, and must reimburse animal control $1,220.

•State of Georgia vs. Joyce Bellamy—guilty plea to cruelty to animals x 6, failure to vaccinate animal against rabies x 6, and failure to provide humane care x 6. Sentenced to 36 months of probation, fined $900, pay restitution of $4,300, and pay spay/neuter bill.

•State of Georgia vs. Bradley O’Neal—bench warrant issued for prohibited parking—$300 cash bond.

•State of Georgia vs. Patricia Yarbrough—bench warrant issued for accumulation of solid waste—$300 cash bond.

•State of Georgia vs. Shannon Whitby—continued to August 2025 for violation of international property maintenance code.

Criminal session dismissals included:

•State of Georgia vs. Jason Pope—violation of home occupation standards in residential zoning districts.

•State of Georgia vs. Jack Cox, Jr.—accumulation of solid waste.