2nd Person Charged In Sexual Assault Of Dog: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — A second person has been arrested in connection with the sexual abuse of a dog in Meriden, according to police.

The Meriden Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit, along with Meriden Animal Control, began investigating the reported sexual abuse of a dog on April 6, according to Lt. Darrin McKay.

After a thorough investigation, McKay said an arrest warrant was obtained for 45-year-old Kristiina Kennedy on charges of sexual assault of an animal and sexual assault of an animal by creating/distributing pornography.

Kennedy was arrested April 29 and released after posting a $10,000 bond with a court date of May 13.

McKay said an additional arrest warrant was approved in connection with the investigation, and Damon Mesite was arrested at his home on Friday.

Mesite, 28, was charged with aiding and abetting sexual assault of an animal, aiding and abetting sexual assault of an animal (creating/distributing pornography), and unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. He was held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.

“The Meriden Police Department takes allegations of sexual assault involving animals extremely seriously,” McKay wrote in a news release. “We understand that these cases are deeply troubling to the community, and we share that concern. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and pursuing appropriate charges to ensure accountability and protect animal welfare.”

See also: Woman Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Dog: Meriden Police