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Chilinski pleads not guilty to animal cruelty, marijuana charges

Posted: Oct 19, 2011 3:54 PM by Tim McGonigal
Updated: Apr 19, 2012 5:08 PM


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Mike Chilinski, the Jefferson County man accused of growing more than 200 marijuana plants and possessing 140 dogs, pleaded not guilty to 95 charges on Wednesday.

Chilinski appeared before District Judge Loren Tucker for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty to 91 felony charges of cruelty to animals.

Other felony charges he denied include possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute; production or manufacture of dangerous drugs; and use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture.

Of the 95 charges, there is one misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals.

Judge Tucker set bond for Chilinski at $75,000.

An additional 117 marijuana plants were observed on a hillside in pots above the property where the dogs were kenneled; those additional plants won't change his charges.

The county will be filing a petition in civil court for an animal welfare hearing where they will ask for him to assist in costs of caring for the confiscated animals.

Topics: Malamute, Chilinski

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