Youngstown woman gets probation on animal-cruelty charge

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge Robert Milich sentenced Akesha Bowman, 37, to five years probation and 160 hours community service on an animal-cruelty charge today in municipal court.

Bowman pleaded no contest to the charge and was found guilty. The charge came after humane agents seized a dog at her home in April which was kept in a cage and showed severe signs of neglect.

Judge Milich stayed a 180-day jail sentence and also ordered that she not own any animals unless she gets permission from the court. If she violates any terms of her probation, the jail sentence will be imposed he said.

The dog has since recovered and is living with a new family.