Latest dognapping suspect draws year of probation

Kim Smith

Friday, Dec. 22, 2000 | 9:52 a.m.

The ninth of 11 Mojave High School students charged in the kidnapping and torturing of Centennial High School's mascot was sentenced to a year of probation Thursday.

Family Court District Judge Robert Gaston gave the 16-year-old boy one year of probation and 200 hours of community service at an animal shelter. He also ordered him to write a letter of apology and give up primary custody of any dogs he may own.

According to police, the students were involved to varying degrees in the kidnapping and torture of Blu, an English bulldog.

Police believe the dog was stolen Sept. 27 and then forced to fight a pit bull.

Blu, who had lost a dangerous amount of blood and suffered from multiple puncture wounds, was found staked on the 50-yard line of Centennial's football field on the morning Mojave and Centennial were to play each other.

Gaston sentenced three 17-year-old boys to seven days in the juvenile detention center Wednesday and placed them on six months probation each. He also ordered them to write a letter of apology and perform between 200 and 300 hours of community service each.

Deputy District Attorney Frank Ponticello said the boy Thursday pleaded guilty to witnessing a fight between the animals, while those sentenced Wednesday were actually involved in the taking of the dog.

Gaston declined to comment on the cases Thursday.

Earlier this month, Donald Stumpf, 18, the owner of the pit bull, was sentenced to two days in jail and 60 days on house arrest in addition to 120 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay nearly $1,300 in restitution and fines.

Stumpf, and another teen, Richard McDonald, who must also perform community service, were also placed on probation for one year.

The last two defendants are scheduled to be sentenced within the next month.