Robert Overton Jr.
JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown man who was arrested in early April for allegedly hanging a dog from a tree on the city’s west side has been released from jail on his own recognizance while he waits for legal proceedings to continue.
The Jamestown Post-Journal says 47 year-old Robert Overton was released from the Chautauqua County Jail after the District Attorney’s Office failed to bring forward an indictment within the 45 days following his initial arrest.
County Court Judge David Foley made the ruling.
Overton’s dog was found in early April hanging from a tree and decomposing in a wooded area near Hallock and Palmer Streets. An investigation by the Jamestown Police Department determined the pit bull was likely alive when it was hanged from the tree.
Even with the release, Overton could still be indicted by a grand jury. Under law, he couldn’t be held in police custody longer than 45 days without an indictment.
When first arrested, he was charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, a felony.
County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says the case is still ongoing.
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