According to a statement released from In Defense of Animals, an international organization that protects animals, Terry Yetman is set to appear in court on April 23.
The organization wants Yetman to get the maximum penalties.
“Thousands of In Defense of Animals supporters were moved by this horrific case and want to see justice done,” Doll Stanley, campaign director for In Defense of Animals, said. “A healthy society protects its innocents: vulnerable children, animals, elderly citizens. Sexual predators must be made to fear the loss of freedom and a stinging financial impact. We call on District Attorney Marvin Schuyler to take zero-tolerance stance on bestiality and prosecute Yetman to the fullest if he is found guilty.”
In August 2018, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit launched an investigation into Yetman's alleged perverse animal abuse. Officials discovered electronic evidence of the once decorated Domestic Task Force officer's acts of bestiality with a retired police dog.
Yetman turned himself in and was booked into the Bossier County Maximum Correctional Facility. He was charged with 20 felony counts of performing sexual acts with an animal and 24 counts of filming the acts. His bond was set at $350,000 according to the press release.
On Jan. 27, Yetman appeared in court. His attorney was granted a continuance. The trial date has not been set yet and Yetman remains behind bars.
Louisiana state criminal code 89 Crime Against Nature carries a first offense penalty of a maximum $2,000 fine and/or a 5-year prison sentence, psychological evaluation and no contact with animals for a minimum of five years, according to the press release.
A second offense has a penalty of a maximum $25,000 fine and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.