For Immediate Release

April 23, 2019

PROSECUTOR ERIC SMITH SAYS STERLING UNITED COMMUNITY

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI  —  Today, dog killer, Alex Gerth, was sentenced on the charge of Killing and Torturing an Animal, a 4-year felony in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Defendant committed a brutal murder on a dog named Sterling and left the animal for dead in Grant Park within the City of Utica back in January of this year.  Today, Judge Caretti withdrew his original sentencing agreement with Defendant, which was to sentence Gerth to the bottom one-third of the sentencing guidelines. Instead, the Judge sentenced Gerth to 3 to 6 years for the stabbing death of Sterling.

Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Smith had always adamantly opposed any sentencing agreement and asked the Judge to exceed sentencing guidelines based on the brutal nature of the crime, Defendant’s prior criminal record, which included a bank robbery in Illinois, his prior abuse of Sterling, as well as the fact that the law changed last year which would have allowed for a more severe sentence had the crime taken place in April. Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Sorentino voiced Smith’s objections and concerns at prior hearing dates, as well as at this morning’s sentencing.

Prosecutor Smith stated, “We commend the sentence that clearly demonstrates, crimes of this nature will never be tolerated! I want to extend my appreciation to the Utica Police, Animal Control, the Humane Society, my staff and all of the animal welfare activists that have contacted us and played a critical role in seeking justice for Sterling.”

The sentencing guidelines for the case were 2 to 21 months. The Judge’s sentence ensures defendant, at a minimum, spends 36 months behind bars, exceeding the guidelines by more than a year. Smith continued, “Sterling has brought great awareness to such a critical issue that troubles us as a society. As County Prosecutor, my office will continue shining a light on the need to bring all parties together to ensure no animal is abused or neglected.”