Woman Gets Probation In Lewistown Cat Neglect Case

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- A Lewistown woman must find a new home under her plea deal in an animal cruelty case involving more than 80 cats.

Kimberly McMillian-Stakes entered an Alford plea Thursday to 14 counts of animal cruelty for failing to provide veterinary care. An Alford plea means a defendant doesn't admit guilt but acknowledges the state could convict her at trial.

Prosecutors agreed to drop 90 other counts.

McMillian-Stakes was granted probation before judgment, placed on three years of supervised probation and given a suspended $7,000 fine.

The deal prohibits McMillian-Stakes from owning animals or having any on the property where she lives. Because the property owner has pets, McMillian-Stakes must move by Sept. 1.

She also must get a mental health evaluation and allow random, unannounced inspections of her home.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)