According to My Central NJ, R&B singer Jaheim Hoagland was arrested and charged with third-degree animal cruelty in Hillsborough Township, NJ. The singer was arrested on Sept. 6 and charged on Sept. 9.
Police found 15 dogs living in horrible conditions in Hoagland’s residence on Chamberlain Drive. Six of the dogs were in the driveway in crates partially full of water and feces. Nine more dogs that were found inside were emaciated and had no food or water. One of the dogs found outside in water was unresponsive and had to be put to sleep. The other 14 dogs were sent to Long Hill Kennel.
Hoagland was arrested on the spot and later charged with animal cruelty. One dog tried to survive by eating would chips, which were found in the dog’s stomach.
Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Quinones worried that the singer would jump bail due to his previous absences from the court. He also said that Hoagland had previous animal cruelty charges. Superior Court Judge Peter Tober released him on the condition that he did not have any pets and report to pre-trial services every week.
His lawyer appointed by the court, Emma Pallarino, said that Hoagland had a serious health issue and would not jump bail. Pallarino did not elaborate on what health condition the singer was suffering from. Her client also promised the judge that he wouldn’t run.
“You are a very fair judge. I will not run. I have no reason to run,” he said.
Hoagland also noted that he was happy the dogs were being treated.
One mixed-breed Boxer, twelve mix-breed Pitbull Terriers and two American Staffordshire Terriers were rescued from Hoagland’s home.
How the Grammy-winning singer ended up in such a sad predicament is unclear. Hoagland released his first album in 2001. The singer went on to have several hits, including “Anything” and “Put That Woman First.” His album “Ghetto Classics” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2006.
The Hillsborough Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office are still investigating.
