Two Charged with Helping Fugitive Escape Following Animal Abuse Charges

BrownMore arrests have been made in connection with an animal abuse case reported on Christmas Day of 2015.

The charges came about as a result of an investigation conducted into the beating and abuse of a four-month-old puppy found over the holiday period. According to information provided by the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, Richard Cope was initially charged with the crime in the animal’s beating, but allegedly fled the area after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Two other individuals, identified as 26-year-old Danielle Brown and 54-year-old Roger Holiday are alleged to have assisted Cope with his escape. This week the pair was arrested with the aid of the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force in Michigan City and Steuben County, Indiana. Holiday is currently awaiting extradition to LaPorte County on Friday.

Brown and Holiday are facing charges of Assisting a Criminal and False Informing.

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department made note in their report of the costly nature of the investigation due to the help Cope received while allegedly evading law enforcement.