PD: Man Arrested in Pot Bust Breaks Dogs Out of Pound

The following information was provided by the Haddam Resident Trooper's Office and does not indicate a conviction.

A Haddam man arrested earlier this month on charges of running an illegal drug factory out of his home was arrested again Monday on allegations that he broke into the local dog pound to get back two pit bulls seized from him during his arrest.

Aaron Lehet, 22, of 8 Depot Hill Road in Higganum, was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny and third-degree criminal mischief as a result of illegally removing the two dogs from the Haddam Dog Pound on Dublin Hill Road in Higganum.

According to a police press release, Lehet called the Haddam Animal Control Office last Wednesday asking to retrieve the dogs. The pit bulls had been handed over to Haddam Animal Control earlier this month after Lehet's arrest on charges of growing .

The Animal Control Office would not allow the release of the animals to Lehet until the dogs met local and state dog laws and requirements. According to police, Lehet informed the animal control officer that he would “go get them anyway.”

The Animal Control Office notified the Haddam Resident Trooper’s office of the phone call and upon a patrol of the dog pound, Tfc. Milardo discovered Lehet in a Jeep Cherokee leaving the pound with his two pit bulls.

According to Milardo, Lehet admitted he got his dogs out of the dog pound. A subsequent inspection of the dog pound fence area revealed that the fence was cut open and the building was entered by the accused.

Lehet was placed into custody without further incident. He had two pairs of wire cutters on him.  

Lehet was charged and released on $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear at Middletown Court on Sept. 4.

The pit bulls were placed back into the custody of Haddam Animal Control.