PITTSBURGH, PA- Sheriff William P. Mullen announces the apprehension Ronnel Oakes, 23 years old, from Beltzhoover.  Oakes was wanted on a warrant charging him with two counts of Cruelty to Animals.  The charges stem from an incident in which Oakes is accused of leaving two dogs behind in a residence that he lived in at 827 Freeland Street after it was sold at a sheriff’s sale.  On 1/03/2010 workers were winterizing the property after the sheriff’s sale and found dogs in the basement.  The first dog was allegedly found dead lying on a rifle with a board over it, huddled in a corner.  The second dog was said to be so weak, it could not even stand.  On 1/14/2010 Pittsburgh Police filed these charges against Oakes and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Throughout the past weeks, many local media outlets have featured Oakes incident.

Yesterday afternoon, sheriff’s deputies received a phone call from Oakes’ attorney asking to arrange a surrender of Oakes.  This morning at approximately 9:00 a.m., sheriff’s deputies went to Attorney William Diefenderfer’s office and arrested Oakes on the said charges.  Oakes was then taken to the Allegheny County Jail and will be arraigned sometime later today on these charges.

For any person requesting a picture of Oakes please visit the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office website at www.sheriffalleghenycounty.com.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 21, 2010

CONTACT: Lieutenant Jack Kearney, 412-350-4714

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS FUGITIVE SURRENDERS TO DEPUTIES