The trial for the man accused of allegedly operating an illegal puppy mill out of his Center Township home has once again been been continued.
Defense attorney Paul Stracci said after he and Deputy Prosecutor David Rooda approached the bench that "in light of ongoing discovery," he was asking for a short continuance. Stracci also said he understood he and his client, Stevce Rajcinoski, would be "conceding Rule 4," a rule that places the duty of ensuring a speedy trial on the state.
Rajcinoski's pretrial conference is now scheduled for July 10, with a jury trial slated for Aug. 12.
Rajcinoski stands accused of 11 counts of felony animal mutilation and 72 counts of animal neglect. The trial had been set to begin April 16, 2018. Eleven misdemeanor charges of performing veterinary services without a license were dismissed in October.
Rajcinoski is facing charges following the May 3, 2017, search of his property in the 5900 block of West 125th Avenue in Center Township in Lake County.
Deputies at the time confiscated 24 American bulldogs, 26 French bulldogs, three English bulldogs, 13 Leonbergers and two pit bulls during the execution of the search warrant. The 11 female dogs, including some that currently were nursing, had evidence of cesarean sections. The mothers to the pit bull puppies and the English bulldog puppies could not be found. Three goats and a miniature horse also were confiscated.
As part of a July 31, 2017, agreement, Rajcinoski relinquished all but four of the dogs to the state and agreed to pay $2,700 a month for boarding and medical care to have those animals returned to him if he were found not guilty. During an Aug. 31, 2017, hearing, Rajcinoski agreed to relinquish control of the remaining four dogs after he failed to make the first $2,700 payment.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.