Women Accused Of Stealing Puppy In Court
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The two women accused of stealing a puppy from the Animal Rescue League earlier this month were in court today for a hearing.
Eventually, the Pit Bull-Labrador mix puppy was returned to the Animal Rescue League. By then, the dog made TV news and many outlets on social media.
The surveillance video from the animal shelter that caught so many people's attention depicts what investigators say are two alleged dog-nappers at work.
Nicole Deusanio, 26, and Kayla Pint, 25, had gone into the East Liberty shelter to inquire about adopting a dog.
Police say the women had a small child with them and thought no one was looking when they scooped the puppy up and hid him in a sweatshirt.
Once the video was posted on Facebook, Homestead Police Officer James Ilgenfritz saw it and thought he recognized one of the women. He was on his way to her house when Pittsburgh Police said they too had gotten the same name from a tipster.
On Thursday, both women were in City Court, but were not talkative.
"Sorry, I can't have no further… nothing right now," said Deusanio.
Both are charged with retail theft as a first-degree misdemeanor, which could carry a maximum of five years in jail, but rarely is such a sentence imposed.
For the shelter, all that mattered to them was the safe return of the puppy.
"Thank you to all the listeners and people watching social media and watching the television stations that helped find the people that stole the puppy," the Animal Rescue League's Dan Rossi said after the puppy was safely returned to the shelter.
The suspects' preliminary hearing was postponed until April.
That's when a judge will decide what happens next.
RELATED LINKS:
Surveillance Video Helps Police Track Down Puppy Snatchers (2/14/14)
More Reports by Harold Hayes
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