A prison dog suffered a concussion following a brutal attack by an inmate in Genesee County

GENESEE COUNTY, MI. – Romeo Maxwell, 27, a Genesee County inmate, brutally attacked Josie, the prison’s companion dog.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, a 13-month-old dog was brutally attacked.

Officials say Josie started the day like any other, going about her daily duties, greeting staff and inmates throughout the prison before the brutal attack.

“When prisoners enter the Genesee County Jail or any other prison in America, nine out of ten of them are addicted or co-dependent.

Six out of ten of them are mentally ill. We are stuck with homelessness and when they get into the bullpen or community buildings they are often just finishing detoxing and we have a male and female side so we send our trustees to keep it clean and serve where they are needed Do.

Deputies are there and we’re sending Josie. Josie has a small badge that was damaged during the attack. He also has a vest that soothes everything with these types of dogs, and dogs can do that.

Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson

Last week, while lying on a mat on the prison floor, Maxwell, accompanied by two other inmates and a prison employee, jumped when Josie approached him and punched her as she approached him.

The impact was so violent that Josie suffered a concussion. He also scratched the inside of her pupil, sending her to the Oakland County Veterinary Emergency Room, where she stayed for a day and a half.

She had to undergo an MRI because officials believed she may have had a brain hemorrhage.

With the help of Genesee County Attorney David Leyton, Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson vowed to bring justice to animal abusers and perpetrators of the crime, further protecting animals of all kinds.

“I am a dog and animal lover. Watching this film broke my heart and I think it will do the same to you and your audience,” Leyton said. “We charged you as severely as possible under Michigan law.”

Officials believe the charge is too low because if the crime was committed against a person, it would be considered assault with intent to murder. It may also be an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which is punishable by life imprisonment.

“We have established over the years that if you attack, beat, torture or starve an animal, there is a good chance you will do it to a human,” Swanson said.

Maxwell is a third habitual offender, so the maximum sentence increases from four to eight years.