ST. CLAIRSVILLE — According to a release from Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan, Paula Metzler entered an Alford Plea to Counts 1-5 of the indictment of animal cruelty. Flanagan explained that an Alford Plea allows someone to enter a plea of guilty to the charges to limit their exposure under a plea agreement. Flanagan added that Ms. Metzler could face up to five years in prison when she is sentenced on March 11.

Flanagan said that he could not provide further comment until sentencing of Paula Metzler, 55, of 100 Fair Ave., Quaker City and the trial of the co-defendant, Kristi Metzler, Paula Metzler’s daughter, occurs. “It would not be appropriate to comment on this matter as it is the same case that we have indicted against Ms. Metzler’s daughter. To share the facts that we relied upon for an indictment in this case at this time would be sharing facts in the co-defendant’s case and that simply would not be fair to the defendants or the process,” Flanagan said.

Multiple dead animals reportedly were found in the Metzler residence late last year and 12 living animals were taken from the site by the Belmont County Hoof & Paw humane agency.