Steuben man sentenced for torturing, killing dog in Winter Harbor last year

A man who tortured and killed a dog in Winter Harbor last year has been sentenced to a year in prison.

“Every aspect of life has been effected in every way.”

24-year-old Justin Chipman appeared in court in Ellsworth Wednesday afternoon.

He was convicted in November of a string of charges including aggravated cruelty to animals, burglary and theft in connection with the death of Franky the pug.

“Do I think one year in jail is enough? No, but that is beyond me. So, I think in the big realm of things, justice was served.”

Chipman and 38-year-old Nathan Burke of Hancock were both arrested in the case. The dog's owner, Phillip Torrey, says when he returned home from a concert last summer, he discovered Franky missing and his SUV damaged.

“The most important thing is he is a convicted felon, that doesn’t go away.”

“The state would argue that Franky’s death was a malicious tragedy that was completely by Mr. Chipman and his codefendant.”

“We think that if the court accepts the sentencing recommendation, it’s going to give Justin a recommendation to generally succeed in the community with supervision.”

Burke appeared in court Monday after being on the run since August. He's being held without bail and due back in court next month.

“Nate has a mountain of evidence that can be used against him, so he’s probably going to suffer more of a wrath than Justin has.”

A third person in the case was also sentenced Monday.

26-year-old Maria Lockhart pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension or prosecution.

She was given a one year deferred sentence.