Schenck
College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor Patricia Schenck, charged with felony neglect of 10 or more animals, could plead guilty to a lesser charge Friday, Clinton County Prosecutor Charles Sherman said.
In a pretrial hearing Monday, Schenck’s case was moved back to Clinton County District Court in St. Johns, Mich.
Schenck was charged with the felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, after a December search of her home found 17 dogs and two cats in poor condition.
In a previous interview, Capital Area Humane Society President and CEO Julia Palmer said the animals were covered in their own feces and somewhat underfed when they were taken from her home.
Sherman said if Schenck does plead to a lesser charge Friday, the judge could choose to sentence her immediately.
He would not comment on what the lesser charges or potential sentences could be.
Schenck currently is suspended from the university with pay pending the outcome of the case.
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