A Maryland man has finally been sentenced for a number of egregious crimes, including sexually abusing his dogs, in addition to child pornography and weapons charges.

This past March, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Jason Havelt’s residence following a months-long investigation that began with a tip about animal abuse. A USB drive that was provided to investigators exposed photos of Havelt sexually assaulting his dogs. More evidence was also found on his phones, in addition to child pornography, including depraved acts with animals, on other devices.

He was ultimately charged with 16 offenses for child pornography, animal cruelty, and weapons. Last week a plea agreement was reached, and he was sentenced to 39 years in prison, with all but 12 years mandated to serve. According to the Maryland State’s Attorney’s office, he will also serve five years of supervised probation upon release, with conditions that include psycho-sexual evaluation and mental health evaluation and treatment, and computer monitoring, and he’ll have to forfeit any firearms and ammunition.

More importantly, he won’t be allowed to possess any animals, and animal control will be allowed to conduct random tests. We recently learned that the dogs were German shepherds, and these two dogs who were seized from his home were placed with his parents after it was determined they would be safe with them. Per a legal agreement reached, Havelt also won’t be allowed within 100 feet of their home.

We’re grateful this case has finally concluded and that more than 16,900 In Defense of Animals supporters signed our letter urging the Frederick County State’s Attorney to take this case seriously and seek maximum sentencing.

To find out more about how we’re helping animal victims of cruelty, visit our Justice for Animals campaign.