On Tuesday of this week, Dr. Jerry Wayne Handley entered guilty pleas to charges of one count of 2nd Degree Arson and to seven counts of Cruelty to a Dog or Cat; all are felony offenses.

Handley pled guilty to those charges stemming from an incident in April of 2008, in which he is accused of intentionally setting fire to his veterinary clinic which was on Highway 411 in North Gadsden. Seven animals died in the fire.

A sentencing date has been tentatively scheduled, for next February 17th, in Circuit Judge David Kimberley’s courtroom.

Handley is expected to receive a 15 year sentence for the Arson charge & 10 year sentences on each of the Animal Cruelty charges. That plea agreement will require Handley to serve 24 months in jail and pay restitution, in the amount of $13,500.00 before being eligible for release.

`I`m glad this case has come to an end with a guilty plea,` – stated Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin. `We knew all along we had a great case against Handley.” Sheriff Entrekin adds, `I appreciate the work and dedication of the Sheriff’s Office Investigators, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the ATF, the State Forensic Science Department, Coates Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Special Investigator Joe Nabors.`

Second degree arson, is a Class B felony that carries a range of punishment of two years, up to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The cruelty to a dog or cat charges, are Class C felonies and they carry a range of punishment of one year and one day up to maximum of 10 years.

District Attorney Jimmie Harp stated, “I appreciate the Sheriff’s Office, other local law enforcement and fire agencies who participated in the investigation of this case.”