Belleville woman accepts plea deal in animal cruelty case

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Tara Lee Cleveland of Belleville accepted a plea deal for two animal cruelty charges brought against her in 34th District Court on Dec. 4.
She stood with her attorney Murray Duncan when she pled guilty to animal neglect. The count of animal cruelty was dismissed.
Chief Judge Tina Brooks Green asked Cleveland if she neglected to care for certain animals that she had responsibility for and Cleveland said that was so.
Judge Green said she wanted to see probation in this case. Sentencing would come up in a couple of weeks, Judge Green said.
Belleville Officer Matthew Vandeweghe was lead officer on the case.
Belleville Police Chief Gene Taylor said police were called after neighbors found a small live dog in a bag discarded in a dumpster. Chief Taylor said police were able to find the little dog a home with a teacher in the Van Buren Public Schools district.