Logan County woman sentenced in cat abandonment case

A Logan County woman was sentenced on Monday following a blind plea deal in a case involving the abandonment of 30 cats in May.

The incident occurred on May 27, when authorities found 30 cats, ranging from newborns to adults, abandoned in crates at the intersection of Industrial Road and Bachus Road. The next day, Brook Wanzer, along with Jason and Keegan Wanzer, were arrested in connection with the case. During questioning, the Wanzers admitted they abandoned the animals after feeling overwhelmed by the number of cats in their care.

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Brook Wanzer, 37, faced 62 charges, including conspiracy, animal cruelty, animal abandonment, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. During her sentencing, the court heard testimony from a Logan County deputy and a representative from an animal nonprofit organization.

For the conspiracy charge, Brook Wanzer was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC), with all but one year of that sentence suspended, contingent on good behavior. She will serve the remaining year in the Logan County Jail. Additionally, she is required to pay court costs and $11,684.20 in restitution, jointly and severally. Wanzer will also be under the supervision of Community Sentencing and must complete 75 hours of community service. As part of her probation, she is required to surrender all animals in her possession.

On the 30 counts of animal cruelty and abandonment, Wanzer received a five-year DOC sentence for each count, with all but one year suspended under the same good behavior condition. This one year will also be served in the Logan County Jail, and she is required to pay court costs for each count.

For the drug charge, Wanzer was sentenced to one year in the Logan County Jail, which will be served concurrently with the other sentences. She was also given credit for time already served.

After sentencing, Wanzer was remanded to the custody of the Logan County Sheriff.

Meanwhile, Keegan Wanzer posted a $100,000 bond on Aug. 11 and is facing 61 counts of animal cruelty and abandonment. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Jason Wanzer remains in the Logan County Jail on a $100,000 bond and faces the same charges as Brook Wanzer. His court date is set for Nov. 12, where he will also face a previous charge of drug trafficking.