Man found guilty in animal cruelty case wants jury quizzed

LANCASTER — A Coos Superior Court jury found a Berlin man guilty of two Class A misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in an appeal from Berlin circuit court. But John Dumas is asking the court to reconvene the jury to inquire whether some jurors improperly discussed the case while the trial was ongoing.

Dumas, 36, of 143 Jericho Road, was found guilty in first circuit court this April on 10 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty — two Class A counts and eight Class B counts. He was sentenced to two 12-month sentences on the Class A charges, to be served concurrently. The sentences, except for 30 days, were deferred for two years, on the condition he maintains good behavior for the two years. On the eight Class B misdemeanor convictions, Dumas is barred from owning or having custody or possession of dogs or cats for two years, to be served concurrently with the same provision in the Class A sentences.