Former Rikers Island Officer Cleared of Animal-Cruelty Charges in Queens Court

The Queens County Supreme Court has dismissed all felony animal-cruelty charges against Brandon Pearce, a former New York City Department of Correction officer, following the emergence of new evidence that contradicted the initial allegations. The case, which began in 2022 over the death of a 12-year-old Maltese named Princess, saw its charges withdrawn after witness statements, veterinary records, and an expert affidavit presented significant doubts about Pearce's involvement.

Key to the dismissal was a witness statement from Omar Velasquez, who testified that the complainant admitted the surveillance footage implicated someone other than Pearce. Additionally, veterinary records from V.E.T.S. New Hyde Park showed inconsistencies, and surveillance expert John Layne's affidavit confirmed that the building's cameras were operational but missing critical footage during the incident's timeframe.

Pearce, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, pleaded to a misdemeanor for not seeking veterinary care promptly, without admitting to causing harm. The resolution of this case highlights the importance of thorough evidence review in legal proceedings, especially in cases that attract significant media attention and public scrutiny.