New Jersey Duo Sentenced to Nearly a Year in Jail for Animal Cruelty Charges
August 18, 2024
NEW JERSEY: Michele Nycz, 60, and Aimee Lonczak, 51, of New Jersey, have been sentenced to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail for animal cruelty charges. The duo pleaded guilty in June to two counts each of animal cruelty and, in Lonczak's case, one count of child neglect. The charges stemmed from a December 2022 arrest after an anonymous complaint about a suspected puppy mill at their residence.
Upon investigation, authorities found 129 dogs and 45 cats living in unsanitary conditions, with animals stacked on top of each other in crates. Two dead dogs were also recovered from the scene. The conditions were so severe that a Hazmat crew was called to assist. The women were initially released on bail but were later ordered to remain on pre-trial release after allegedly attempting to retrieve their dogs from a shelter.
The investigation began when the Brick Township Police Department responded to an anonymous complaint about an alleged puppy mill at a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive. Upon arrival, officers detected a strong odor and heard barking. They were permitted to enter the residence, where they found an intense odor and unsanitary conditions. Animal crates containing dogs and cats were stacked on top of each other, with no regard for the animals' welfare.
In total, 174 animals were found living in the residence, including 129 dogs and 45 cats. The bodies of two dead dogs were also recovered and removed. The conditions inside the residence were deemed hazardous, prompting the call for a Hazmat crew to assist.
In January 2023, prosecutors moved to revoke the duo's bail after they allegedly showed up at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, demanding the return of their dogs. This action violated a bail condition that forbade them from having contact with animals. However, they were allowed to remain on pre-trial release.
On Friday, Ocean County Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan sentenced each defendant to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail for their animal cruelty convictions. Lonczak was also given a 364-day jail sentence for her lone child neglect conviction, which will run concurrently. As part of their sentences, the court imposed a lifetime ban on animal ownership and working with animals. Both defendants were also ordered to perform community service, which cannot involve animals. Additionally, both women will be subject to four years of probation following their stay in the county jail.
