Probation, weekend jail for puppy beating

A former firefighter from Riverside County convicted in the fatal beating of his neighbor’s puppy was sentenced Friday to three years of probation, 90 days of weekend jail time and 400 hours of community service working with dogs.

Glynn Johnson apologized to the Toole family for the beating of their 6-month-old German shepherd mix, Karley.

Johnson was convicted in January of felony animal cruelty and using a deadly weapon. In November 2008, he used a 12-pound rock to beat Karley after she bit him repeatedly, he testified during the trial. The 50-pound dog had a fractured skull, a broken jaw and other injuries and had to be euthanized.

At Friday’s sentencing, the Riverside courtroom was packed with animal rights activists and Johnson’s supporters. Some animal advocates wore purple ribbons for Karley; others had on T-shirts that read, “Firefighters against animal abuse.”

Judge J. Thompson Hanks announced the sentencing after statements by the Toole family, Johnson and Johnson’s family.

Jeff Toole addressed Johnson directly.

“If she did this to you, her punishment would be death. And if I were a judge, that would be the punishment for you, too,” Toole said. “You’re a danger to society, and you need to be locked up before you hurt someone else. We’ve lived in fear, wondering what you’d do next. As far as your remorse, I don’t buy it.”

Johnson’s family begged for leniency and requested probation for the former Los Angeles County assistant fire chief, who took a medical retirement after he was charged in the cruelty case. He faced a maximum sentence of four years and four months in state prison.

However, Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Will Robinson asked the court for probation and 365 days in Riverside County jail.

Hanks said he received numerous letters both in support of Johnson and condemning him. He said Johnson had no prior criminal record and had worked for the benefit of the community as a firefighter.

“You don’t see this kind of outpouring from the community in many cases, including the death of children,” Hanks said. “As a judge, I have to balance. I have to consider the conduct of the individual who did it and the appropriate punishment.”

Johnson, who lives in the Woodcrest area south of Riverside, was ordered to work out his community service with the Humane Society or another dog-oriented organization. He also was ordered to attend a 16-week anger management program. His attorney, John Sweeney, said he is appealing the conviction.

Activists booed as Johnson left the courtroom, calling him “evil” and “puppy killer.”

Families’ Pleas

Johnson’s wife and daughter apologized to the Toole family and said they, too, have endured stress in the wake of the dog’s death. They said Glynn Johnson, a 30-year veteran firefighter, retired under a dark cloud and already has paid for what he did.

“I would not be who I am today without my father,” said Erika Johnson, 28. “I stand here an adult, but I still need my father’s guidance and support. He’s been the model that I can be anything I want despite any adversity.”

Johnson told the court he loves animals and that he always has had pets, including dogs and horses. He has spent his career as a firefighter helping others and he would continue to do so, he said. A retired Anaheim fire chief spoke on his behalf.

Johnson expressed remorse to the Toole family.

“I am extremely sorry for the stress I have caused in your lives,” he said. “I would do anything to go back and change what happened. I don’t hate animals. I love animals. I would never destroy an animal for no reason.”

After Johnson spoke, Jeff and Shelley Toole and their son, Brandon, each read letters to him, saying he had ruined their lives by killing Karley.

By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise