Sarasota: Suspect in 2024 Animal Abuse Case Takes Plea Deal
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
SARASOTA, FL – In March 2024, Sarasota Police detectives arrested Diana Stevens, 41, on five charges of aggravated animal abuse (felony charges) and five charges of animal cruelty (misdemeanor).
This week, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, Stevens pled no contest to five misdemeanor animal abuse charges. As a result, she received five years’ probation, during which she cannot own, be in control of a dog, or groom animals for the length of probation. In addition, she must complete 250 hours of community service, receive mental health counseling and complete an anger management course.
In early 2024, Sarasota Police detectives were initially investigating a franchise located at 1129 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, for financial crimes when they uncovered a pattern of animal abuse by Stevens, the owner of the business.
Store employees told detectives they witnessed Stevens abuse the animals as she groomed them, and on several instances, they intervened. Customers also reported that their pets behaved abnormally after being picked up from the business. Sarasota Police detectives obtained a search warrant for the store and collected video evidence of animal abuse. The video appears to support allegations that Stevens beat and tossed animals as she groomed them.
The original news release from 2024 can be found here.