Thursday, September 9, 2021
HILLSBOROUGH TWP., N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Michael McMahon announced the arrest of Jaheim H. Hoagland, age 44, Chamberlain Drive, Hillsborough, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, September 6, 2021, at approximately 9:16 a.m. Hillsborough Township Police Department responded to the area of River Road and Chamberlain Drive for a report of a puppy in distress. Responding Hillsborough Patrol units upon canvassing the area located a total of six dogs in separate animal crates in the driveway of a Chamberlain Drive residence. One of the dogs located was initially unresponsive in a water filled crate and subsequently had to be euthanized. Additional dogs were found inside of separate crates which were partially filled with several inches of water and dog feces. Responding Officers encountered the homeowner identified as defendant Jaheim H. Hoagland outside of the residence. Defendant Hoagland was placed under arrest for an unrelated Somerset County Violation of Probation Warrant, along with two active Municipal Court Warrants from Hillsborough Township and Newark, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that Hillsborough Township Police tended to the animals by providing them water and care while awaiting the response by Animal Control Officers from Animal Control Solutions. While caring for the dogs outside of the residence, Hillsborough Township Police heard dog sounds/barking coming from inside of the residence. An additional nine dogs were located inside of the residence in varying stages of emaciation, without access to food and water. Two of the recovered dogs were transported to AnimERge veterinarian for emergency treatment due to their poor condition. Notification was made to the Somerset County Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office who responded to the scene. At total of twelve (12) mixed breed Pitbull Terriers, two (2) American Staffordshire Terriers, and one (1) mixed breed Boxer were recovered. One (1) mixed breed Pitbull terrier was euthanized and the additional fourteen (14) dogs were examined and released to Long Hill Kennel located in Hillsborough, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated defendant Hoagland was charged with 3rd degree Animal Cruelty and Failure to provide necessary care to an animal, a Disorderly Persons offense.
Defendant Hoagland was lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter. The incident remains under investigation by the Hillsborough Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief McMahon request anyone with information relating to this event to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Chief Humane Officer at (908) 575-3353 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
Note: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.