Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the entry of a guilty plea in the matter of State of New Jersey v. Tonya Fea.
Officials say Fea pled guilty today to Animal Cruelty, a third-degree crime, before the Honorable Marilyn C. Clark, J.S.C.
According to Passaic County officials, Fea admitted under oath that on April 30, 2019, she submerged her golden retriever puppy in a pond located in West Milford, disregarding whether the dog was alive at the time.
Officials said she further admitted the puppy died because of her actions.
Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, the State has recommended that Ms. Fea be placed on probation for a period of 5 years with the condition that she serve 180 days in the Passaic County Jail.
Under the terms of the plea, Ms. Fea will also be required to continue counseling, perform 100 days of community service, and refrain from owning dogs in the future.
An October 5, 2021 sentence date has been set before the Honorable Marilyn C. Clark, J.S.C.