News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Charges filed in K9 Death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2025

MUSKINGUM COUNTY PROSECUTOR RON WELCH ANNOUNCES CRIMINAL CHARGES RELATED TO TRAGIC LOSS OF K-9 COOPER

ZANESVILLE, OH - Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch announced he will be filing first degree misdemeanor charges against a Muskingum County Sheriff's Deputy related to the tragic loss of K-9 Cooper.

Cooper, a beloved K-9 belonging to Muskingum County Sheriff Deputy Detective Wilhite, died after being left in the detective's unmarked car alone for several hours. The investigation found that Detective Wilhite left his car running, believing the air conditioner was on for Cooper. However, due to the colder temperature in the morning, Detective Wilhite accidentally had left the defogging mode on with warmer air on. He also neglected to have the portable device that monitors car temperatures for K-9's with him.

"The loss of a K-9 officer is a terrible loss and I understand the community's anger," Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said. "Every K-9 handler has a duty to protect the life and wellbeing of their K-9 partner, and when that duty is neglected, even a police officer must be held accountable under the law."

Welch's office reviewed the evidence and filed first degree misdemeanor criminal charges against Detective Wilhite this afternoon in Muskingum County Court.

Based on the investigation, "No one feels worse about this tragedy than Detective Wilhite himself," Welch said. "Detective Wilhite fully cooperated with the investigation, admitted his mistakes, and has taken full responsibility for his actions so far. While a handful of people online have called for felony charges against him, that would be highly inappropriate considering both the evidence and Ohio law."

Welch said his office will share updates with the community as they have more information.

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