A 50-year-old Ocala man has been sentenced to two years in prison for stabbing and beating his girlfriend's dog.
Circuit Judge Jonathan Ohlman handed down the sentence for Steven Scott Fleming on Monday. He granted Fleming a 354-day credit for time served, meaning he's served almost half his sentence.
The Ocala Star-Banner reports Fleming was arrested April 27, 2014 on charges of abusing the American boxer/Labrador mix named Molly. Neighbors told authorities they heard Fleming banging on a nearby door before they heard the screams from a dog. Molly was later found bleeding from her head. A broken, bloodied baseball bat was found nearby.
The dog suffered a fractured skull and three stab wounds. Molly was turned over to Marion County Animal Services who helped facilitate her healing.
Molly recovered from her injuries, and is now living in a new home.
