Judge Denies Man’s Request to Avoid Prison for Animal Cruelty

29 Apr Judge Denies Man’s Request to Avoid Prison for Animal Cruelty

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Traton Vanderpool goes directly to prison today after a Judge denies his Motion to Reconsider Sentencing.  He was handed down a 40 year sentence on eight counts of animal cruelty on April 20, 2015. 

Vanderpool’s attorney suggested release on probation and heavy supervision.  The prosecutor strongly objected and the Judge agreed the man should go to prison for his crimes.

One of the victims in the case, Steve Branen, was in the courtroom and following the Judge’s decision his thoughts were not for himself and his substantial loss but for Vanderpool  “I just think of the damage he’s done to his life.  His future is not bright.  We hoped he’d learn his lesson and take his second chance (to pay the court ordered restitution to Branen and the other victim).  We want him to be productive rather than paying for him to be in prison.  Hopefully he’ll get it right when he gets out.”