Man Charged In Stolen Service Puppy Case

MILTON, GA -- Milton police have arrested a local resident in connection to the theft of a service puppy.

Officers on Wednesday, Sept. 21 arrested John Henry Sears, 34, of Milton on one count of making false statements or writings, which is a felony.

Sears is accused of making the alleged false statements in connection to the agency's investigation into the theft of Dorie, a three-month-old Golden Retriever stolen Sept. 3 from Milton-based Canine Assistants.

Lt. Charles Barstow with Milton police said initial evidence collected when police launched its investigation "led detectives to believe that someone with knowledge and access to the location might be involved in the theft."

After interviewing numerous people with information about the incident, those investigators were able to determine Sears was "somehow involved in Dorie's theft."

"When confronted with testimony, Sears confessed that his handwritten version of events provided to investigators was in fact a lie," Barstow added.

See also:

• Stolen Service Puppy Found, Reunited With Caretaker
• Service Puppy Stolen From Milton Kennel

Dorie was eventually found and turned into the Georgia SPCA's offices in Suwanee on Sept. 14.

Barstow noted Sears was "associated" with Canine Assistants, but isn't certain of his job description or title.

Sears was booked into the Fulton County Jail on Sept. 22 and records show he posted a $500 bond on the same day.

Milton police collaborated with detectives with the Suwanee Police Department as part of their investigation. As a result, Sears will also be charged with felony theft by receiving in Gwinnett County in relation to the case, Barstow said.

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