The court fight still is ongoing for one of two Hallmark/Westland employees charged with abuse in the aftermath of the undercover videotape made by a representative of the Humane Society of the U.S. and released in February.
Lawyers for Daniel Ugarte Navarro, 49, had argued that the charges against him individually should be dismissed and refiled against management of Chino, Calif.-based Hallmark/Westland, instead, according to The Press-Enterprise newspaper in Riverside, Calif. Late last week the judge disagreed, and Ugarte is due back in court on June 20, although his lawyers may appeal the judge's decision in the meantime.
Lawyers for the District Attorney's office in San Bernardino County, Calif., have offered Ugarte a plea deal that may call for him to serve up to a year in jail for two felony and two misdemeanor counts. That offer is open until the June 20th court date.
By Lisa M. Keefe on Monday, April 21, 2008 For Meatingplace.com.