Superior Court Judge Michael Evans sentenced Jesse James Clark on Thursday to three years in prison for dognapping an English bulldog from his owner in Woodland and demanding a $1,000 ransom and prescription drugs. Tragically the dog was found dead less than two weeks later.
In the October 2011 case, the bulldog named Jagger and his human companion, Jennifer Thomas captured national attention according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.
According to The Daily News, Ivey Rose Svaleson and her boyfriend Johnny Lee Jordan stole Jagger from his home to extort money. Clark's role was to keep the dog. Last year Svaleson pleaded guilty to extortion and was sentenced to nine months in prison. Jordan pleaded guilty also and was sentenced to three years.
Last week a jury found Clark guilty of extortion and possessing stolen property. Thomas, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair openly cried in court as she told her story of her dear canine friend.
Jagger's lifeless mangled body was found lying next to a railroad track. It could never be proven if Clark killed the dog; thus no animal cruelty charges could be levied on him. The stolen property was Jagger, but to his devoted human, Jagger's life meant much more.
Rest in peace Jagger. A little justice has been found for you.
Judge Evans also told Clark that even after his release from prison, Clark will not be allowed to own pets unless correction officials agree.
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