Ohio Deputy Charged Misdemeanor After K-9 Dies in Hot Vehicle

Muskingum County Sheriff's Deputy Detective Matt Wilhite has been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for cruelty to animals after his K-9 partner, Cooper, died from heat exhaustion when left unattended in an unmarked police vehicle for several hours. Wilhite mistakenly believed the air conditioning was on, but the vehicle was actually set to defogging mode, blowing warm air, and he did not have his portable device to monitor the car's temperature for the K-9. Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch emphasized the duty of K-9 handlers to protect their partners and stated that while some have called for felony charges, the evidence and Ohio law support the misdemeanor charge. Wilhite has cooperated fully with the investigation, admitted his mistake, and taken full responsibility. Following the incident, Wilhite was placed on administrative leave, demoted, and disqualified from future K-9 handling. The prosecutor's office continues to update the case as it progresses.