TROY, Mich. – The man accused of stealing a dog and unknowingly trying to sell it to its owners was sentenced on Monday.
According to authorities, a resident found a dog in her backyard and posted a photo of it on social media in an attempt to find its proper home. Police said she was contacted by a man who said he was the dog’s owner and provided convincing evidence, leading to her handing the dog over.
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After the dog was given to the false owner, the woman was reportedly contacted by the real owners. They attempted to contact the man who took the dog, but were unable to. That’s when they reportedly saw that the dog was listed for sale online.
Police said the owner arranged a meeting with the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Malik Deshawn Motley, under the guise of being an interested buyer. Police arrived at the scene, recovered the dog and arrested the suspect.
Motley was charged April 23 with larceny $1,000-$20,000. He later pleaded no contest.
He was sentenced on Aug. 11 to 40 days in jail and was also ordered to pay a victim rights fee of $130.
The dog has since been reunited with its family.