The Indiana State Police along with the Lake County Prosecutor's Office held a press conference this morning to announce charges filed against two Indiana men after a year-long investigation. The investigation stemmed from an incident that occurred in July of 2023 where nine canines perished as a result of being transported in a box truck in extremely dangerous heat conditions.
As a result of the investigation, Michael McHenry, 55, from Michigan City, IN and Jessee Urbaszewski, 44, from Michigan City, IN, are each being charged with 18 counts of Neglect of Vertebrate Animal. Both subjects had previously agreed to turn themselves in, but as of 6:00 p.m, neither suspect has done so. Warrants have been issued for their arrests.
All suspects are presumed innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.
Lake County Prosecutor Requests ISP to Investigate Canine Deaths
At the request of Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter, the following press release has been issued and is being shared via the Indiana State Police Public Information Office. This is an active investigation and no further information is available for release.
Lake County Prosecutor Press Release Aug 31 2023.pdf