News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Detective Admits Guilt in Death of K9 Cooper; Receives Sentence

(ZANESVILLE, OHIO)

A Muskingum County Sheriff’s detective, Matt Wilhite, made his first court appearance this morning where he promptly accepted responsibility and was immediately sentenced by the court after pleading guilty to one count of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The court heard from the State, the defense, and the defendant prior to sentencing. Wilhite received a 30-day suspended jail sentence, a fine of $250, 60 hours of community service, and a five-year ban on new pet ownership.

Prosecutor Ron Welch, who handled the case, stated “Cooper was a loyal partner and companion, and his tragic loss has deeply impacted our community and law enforcement. There was never any question that Detective Wilhite was going to face charges; it was a matter of determining legally and factually what charges were appropriate.”

The resolution of this case takes into consideration the loss of Cooper and the reckless actions that resulted in his death. It also takes into consideration Detective Wilhite’s actions in immediately accepting responsibility and fully cooperating with law enforcement as well as his genuine remorse, that he has no prior criminal record, and has dedicated his life to service of his community, including 25 years of service at the sheriff’s office. Additionally, Det. Wilhite was disciplined by the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.

Understanding How Charges Were Decided:

Under Ohio law a person can only be charged with murder for causing the death of another person or the unlawful termination of another’s unborn. Dogs are amazing animals. They are loyal and loving companions but under the definition of Ohio law no person can be charged with murder or manslaughter for killing a K9 because those charges require the victim to be a human.

For a person to be charged with assaulting or harassing a police dog there must be evidence that the person knowingly caused or attempted to cause harm to the K9. That charge is a felony of the fourth degree with a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. If the assault results in the death of the K9 the charge becomes a felony of the third with a maximum sentence of 36 months.

A felony charge involving a companion animal can only occur if there, once again, is evidence to show that a person acted with the purpose of causing harm or acted in a way that he was aware of what he was doing and understood it would cause harm.

In reviewing the evidence there was nothing to show that Det. Wilhite had any intent to purposely cause the death of Cooper.

There also was no evidence to show that Det. Wilhite did anything knowing it would cause the death of Cooper. Det. Wilhite did not know that he had left Cooper in his vehicle without the air conditioner turned on.

Once determining a felony charge was not appropriate, the next step was to consider whether Det. Wilhite acted recklessly. Based upon the facts presented in the investigation and the law in Ohio I concluded Det. Wilhite was reckless. His failure to check on Cooper for nearly seven hours and his failure to use a temperature sensing safety device which was provided by the Sheriff’s Office created an unjustifiable risk which led directly to the death of Cooper.

Upon deciding that Det. Wilhite acted recklessly, the next step was to determine the appropriate charge. Under Ohio law, where a person recklessly causes the death of a companion animal, the appropriate charge falls under Ohio Revised Code Section 959.131 (E) “Prohibitions Concerning a Companion Animal,” a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The unexpected death of Cooper, caused by mishandling from his owner, has brought great sadness to our community. While there was no intent to cause harm, accountability remains an essential part of justice. Police K9 dogs are loyal protectors, companions, and heroes. Every handler has a duty to protect the life and well-being of their partner, and when that duty is neglected, the consequences must be acknowledged under the law.

This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the trust placed in those who handle these remarkable animals. We are certain this incident will lead to improved awareness, training, and safeguards to ensure that no other K9 is lost in such a preventable way.

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