Ramsey Co. Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty To Hitting His K-9
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Ramsey County sheriff's deputy who was caught on surveillance cameras abusing his K-9 partner has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, according to Carlton County officials.
On Tuesday morning, Bretty Berry entered the guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge in Carlton County court. As part of the plea deal, the other charge of assaulting a public safety dog was dropped.
According to KDLH in Duluth, Berry admitted in court to being "blackout drunk" and said he did not remember the incident. He told the court he felt "remorseful."
On June 14, 2015, the Carlton County Sheriff's Office said Berry was at Black Bear Casino for a canine training and certification event.
Deputies were called to the casino just before 3 a.m. the next day on a report of animal cruelty caught on camera involving Berry, who had been asked to leave the casino's Cobalt Lounge earlier in the night by deputies due to staff complaints.
Berry was observed on camera leaving the lounge, going back to his hotel room and then leaving with his K-9 partner five minutes later. He was then observed carrying the dog to his car while being visibly upset.
Berry was next seen on camera picking up the dog by the collar and throwing it to the ground. The K-9 then ran back to the casino and got trapped between entryway doors. Berry was seen catching up to his partner, and then repeatedly hitting the K-9.
After being placed on administrative leave, Berry started work again on Aug. 14, 2015 in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office detention division. He does not handle dogs any more, however.
Berry will be sentenced on Feb. 17 in Carlton County. He could face up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.