Man convicted in Xenia puppy abuse case back in jail, awaits sentencing

After missing his sentencing hearing in April, the first person convicted under Goddard’s Law in Greene County is back in custody.

Matthew David Bolen, 24, was booked into the Greene County Jail at 2:30 a.m. Sunday and is being held on suspicion of violation of community control sanctions, according to jail records.

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Bolen failed to show up for his April 26 sentencing hearing after he pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with the prosecutor’s office. The charge was causing serious physical harm to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony, according to Greene County court records.

Judge Stephen Wolaver had already issued an order for Bolen’s arrest in February for allegedly violating conditions of his bond release, according to court records.

Bolen's case started in August 2017 when he was observed abusing a puppy in Xenia.

He is the first to be convicted in Greene County under Goddard’s Law, which increased the severity of hurting a companion animal from a misdemeanor to a felony.

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Bolen faces a maximum of 12 months in jail, but Judge Wolaver will have other sentencing options that are specific to Goddard’s Law, including a ban on owning a companion animal.

Bolen is being held on $15,000 bond. A new date for his sentencing hearing has not been set.

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