LA Assistant Chief Sentenced in Puppy Beating Case

A former LA County Assistant Chief narrowly escaped a jail sentence earlier this month after he was convicted of animal cruelty in the beating of a neighbor's dog in 2008.

Chief Glynn Johnson alleged he was acting in self defense when the 6 month old puppy bit him, nearly severing his thumb. However, a jury found him guilty of felony animal cruelty in January, 2010. Between the time of the incident and the trial, Chief Johnson retired from the fire department.

Chief Johnson was sentenced on April 2, 2010, but his attorney said they plan to appeal.

 

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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