Roselle Man Charged With 32 Counts In Animal Cruelty Case

ROSELLE, NJ — A Roselle man that had more than 40 dogs living in severely unsanitary and inhumane conditions at his home in June was charged with 31 criminal offenses, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Wednesday.

Evelio J. Calderon, 40, is charged with two third-degree animal cruelty offenses, 14 counts of fourth-degree animal abuse by failing to provide care, and 15 counts of failure to provide necessary care to an animal, a disorderly persons offense. The charges were filed after the dogs were medically evaluated by veterinarians.

• See Related: Investigators In Hazmat Suits Rescue 40 Dogs From Roselle Home

Investigators who entered the home on the 700 block of Thompson Avenue in Roselle said the animals were living in squalor, and had been locked inside for an indeterminate amount of time, authorities said. They were forced to go to the bathroom on the floor, according to investigators.

The dogs ranged in age from puppies to seniors, varying widely in breed and size. Several were treated on-site for acute injuries that included open sores, malnourishment, joint problems, and eye issues, according to authorities.

Additional injuries to the dogs outlined in the charges served on Calderon included visible worms, infected wounds, scars, scratches, and overgrown nails with related lacerations. One of the dogs was missing an ear, while another was missing its tail.

The dogs were taken to shelters across New Jersey, including the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, The Last Resort Animal Rescue in West Milford, and the Edison and Montclair municipal animal shelters.

The investigation was led by SPCA Investigator Tatiana Verenicin-Chan and assisted by Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin and Prosecutor's Office Detective Vito Colacitti, the newly assigned leaders of the humane animal treatment subsection of the Prosecutor's Office's Special Prosecutions Unit.

Anyone with information about this matter or similar incidents is urged to contact Cronin at 908-527-4169 or Colacitti at 908-527-4387.

Calderon could face three to five years in state prison on third-degree crimes and penalties ranging from probation to 18 months in prison on the fourth-degree crimes.

(Images via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Dogs taken from a home on the 700 block of Thompson Avenue in Roselle)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.