Animal cruelty case: Pair found guilty on 180 counts

By Janine Jobe of The Montana Standard

Jon Harmans

Apparently guessing that a quick jury verdict meant they had been found guilty, the Alaska couple each accused of 180 counts of animal cruelty decided not to stay and hear the verdict read.

Jon Harman and Athena Lethcoe-Harman were last seen hurrying across the parking lot of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Courthouse as the six-member jury filed in about 8 p.m. Saturday after 1½ hours of deliberation following a five-day trial.

The verdict was in fact guilty.

"The only comment we have is that justice has been served," said juror Denise Scanlon.

The Harmans were stopped at the Sweet Grass Port of Entry Oct. 31 with a semi truck stacked to the ceiling with airline crates of collies, a few assorted other dogs and 10 cats.

The couple had left their home on Kenai Peninsula of Alaska and were heading toward a new home in Arizona.

Border inspectors found starving, dehydrated animals with matted fur and laying in a slurry of their own feces, urine and dog food.

"This is another step toward freeing the dogs," said Nancy McDonald. She traveled from Vermont for the trial.

As a member of the American Working Collie Association, she spent her Christmas vacation volunteering at the "Collie Camp" set up at the fairgrounds near Shelby to house the dogs.

The collies are currently at a facility in Great Falls.

"This sets a precedent that we're not going to put up with people doing things like this to their dogs," she said.

This is the second trial for the Harmans. The first trial in January in Shelby ended with a hung jury. The trial was moved to Anaconda because of publicity.

"I'm very happy with the verdict," said Toole County Deputy Sheriff Mike Lamey. He was the deputy who responded to the border the night the Harmans attempted to cross, and he made the decision to charge them after inspecting the animals and the semi.

"I think the truth came out very well in this trial, and I'm glad the jury saw that," he said.

During closing arguments, Teton County Prosecutor Joe Coble, who was helping Toole County Prosecutor Merle Raph with the case, told jurors not to be fooled by the "hocus pocus" of the defense.

"These are people who show up with dogs in this condition and insist they didn't do anything wrong, that they would do it all the same. It's delusional," he said. "They insist that it's OK, that these dogs are like their children, that in the end they will fix it with a bowl of water, a bowl of food and a bath. I ask you, is it OK to neglect and abuse your children because they will heal?"

Coble pointed out the couple was barely two days into their trip before they were cited in Anchorage for the unsanitary conditions in the semi's trailer.

"The second they pulled up to the border, pulling that cess pool behind them, they were guilty of animal cruelty," he told jurors.

After the verdict, Coble said the case probably isn't over yet.

"I'm sure they will appeal. That's what they've said all along," he said. If there is an appeal, Toole County will have to retain custody of all of the dogs and cats.

Justice of the Peace Pete Howard said he would set a sentencing date next week and the sentencing will be in Shelby. On each misdemeanor count, the Harmans face a maximun fine of $500 and a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

Reporter Janine Jobe may be reached via e-mail at janine.jobe@mtstandard.com.