Judge dismisses felony for service dog’s death in Summit County case
Brandi Tomko talks to her attorney Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court. Judge Paul Gallagher dismissed the most serious charge against her Wednesday in a case accusing her of fraudulent veterinary work at an Akron animal hospital. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert McGee (center) listens to testimony in the trial of Brandi Tomko with his new service dog Sam on the floor, and his mother, Maxine McGee, behind him. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher dismissed the most serious charge against Tomko, who was accused of causing the death of Robert McGees previous service dog. Fellow pet owner and victim, Kenny Reymann sits to the left. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher hears arguments on the charges against defendant Brandi Tomko during her bench trial on Wednesday, in Akron. Tomko, is accused in a 8-count indictment of injuring animals, animal cruelty, and other offenses. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert McGee, 48, is comforted by his mother, Maxine, �as he hears a third-degree felony against Brandi Tomko was dismissed. Judge Paul Gallagher ruled Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to convict Tomko in connection with the death of McGees service dog Allie 10 months after Allies first visit to the Akron animal hospital where Tomko had worked. Fellow pet owner and victim, Kenny Reymann sits to next to McGee. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Summit Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Peacock (left) talks with victims Kenny Reymann (center) and Robert McGee during a break in Brandi Tomko's trial in Judge Paul Gallagher's Summit County Common Pleas Courtroom on Wednesday, in Akron. McGee's service dog Sam lays on the floor. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert McGee with his new service dog Sam, listens to testimony in trial of Brandi Tomko in Judge Paul Gallagher's Summit County Common Pleas Courtroom on Wednesday, in Akron. The supplemental charge, a third-degree felony: assaulting or harassing an assistance dog, was dismissed by the judge. The service dog in question was McGee's. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
Brandi Tomko (right) talks to her attorney John Greven (left) during her trial in Judge Paul Gallagher's Summit County Common Pleas Courtroom on Wednesday, in Akron. Tomko, is accused in a 8 -count indictment of injuring animals, animal cruelty, and other offenses. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
