BELLAIRE — A Bellaire man was convicted Thursday on three felony counts of cruelty to companion animals after being accused of starving three dogs to death and faces up to three years under Goddard’s Law — Ohio’s animal protection statute which elevates certain severe animal abuse offenses to felony-level crimes and increases penalties for offenders.

Timothy Newman, 59, was found guilty of three fifth-degree felony charges following a bench trial before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra. Newman waived his right to a jury trial and chose to be tried by the judge. Each conviction carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled

Authorities said when the new residents of Timothy Newman’s former home moved in, they discovered the emaciated bodies of three dogs left behind. Newman had been evicted from the residence prior to the discovery. He was arrested in November by the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.