By: Richard L. Smith
Two Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors have been recognized for their work in prosecuting severe animal cruelty cases that resulted in some of the longest sentences in New Jersey’s history. 
According to an official statement released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Prosecutors Keri-Leigh Schaefer and Sevan Biramian were named “Animal Defenders” by the California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), an organization dedicated to legal advocacy for animal rights nationwide.
“These cases involved some of the most horrific instances of animal abuse imaginable,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
“Thanks to the dedication, tenacity, and exceptional legal skills of Ms. Schaefer and Mr. Biramian, justice was served with two of the most significant sentences ever imposed for such crimes in our state.”
The cases, both initiated in March 2023, involved extreme acts of animal cruelty. In the first case, authorities in Asbury Park launched an investigation after a concerned citizen brought a deceased cat to the police department.
Investigators determined that the cat, named Ellie, had been subjected to sexual abuse and torture at the hands of 20-year-old Bani Mezquititla, ultimately leading to its death.
Mezquititla was arrested the same day, remained in custody throughout the proceedings, and in April 2024 pleaded guilty.
He was sentenced to five years in state prison—the maximum penalty allowed by law—and permanently banned from owning or living with animals.
The second case stemmed from a police response to a Howell Township residence, where officers discovered a dead cat outside the home.
Authorities determined that 30-year-old Christopher Sanchez had used a sharp object to kill his cat, Lilith, while recording the act.
Sanchez was also arrested on the same day and remained detained throughout his trial. In February 2024, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and permanently prohibited from owning animals.
The ALDF’s recognition of Schaefer and Biramian coincides with National Justice for Animals Week, which highlights the importance of strong legal protections for animals and the need for trained professionals to handle these cases.
The organization praised the prosecutors for emphasizing the connection between animal cruelty and broader patterns of interpersonal violence, underscoring the need to treat these offenses with the seriousness they deserve.
Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, who supervised the prosecutions, acknowledged the overwhelming public support for these cases.
“The response from across the country made it clear that these matters struck a deep chord with the public,” she said.
“We are grateful to the Animal Legal Defense Fund for recognizing the hard work of Keri and Sevan, and we hope this sends a strong message that animal cruelty has no place in society.”
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office also extended its gratitude to the Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division, the Asbury Park Police Department, and the Howell Township Police Department for their investigative efforts, particularly Lt. Michael Magliozzo and Detective Anthony Houlis, whose work was instrumental in securing these convictions.
