Elizabeth Jaimes was sentenced to more than five years in prison after being caught on camera brutally abusing a Husky named Maya, who belonged to Kimberly Johns. Jaimes was recorded beating the dog with a rubber mallet, leading to a series of injuries. Prosecutors and Johns urged the judge to impose a strict penalty on Jaimes, highlighting the ongoing abuse Maya faced during her time with Jaimes.
Maya, once a healthy dog, began showing signs of abuse shortly after Jaimes moved in with Johns and her family. Cuts, twisted toenails, staples in her head, and difficulty walking were just some of the injuries Maya sustained. After recommendations from the veterinarian, Johns set up a camera that captured Jaimes striking the dog 38 times with a mallet and 26 additional strikes. It was evident that Maya had suffered fractured ribs and spinal injuries, with some bones having been broken and re-broken after healing.
The veterinarian who treated Maya expressed surprise that the dog survived the abuse, given the extent of her injuries. Maya continues to receive ongoing treatment for the harm she endured. Jaimes claimed to have post-traumatic stress disorder from past abuse and stated that she did not remember the specific incident captured on camera. However, both prosecutors and Johns doubted Jaimes’ remorse, emphasizing the severity of the abuse and the fact that such acts should not go unpunished.
Prosecutor Karry Becker described the case as particularly heinous, given the shocking nature of the abuse captured on video. The judge was able to witness firsthand what Jaimes had done to Maya, leading to a firm stance against animal cruelty in Hillsborough County. Both prosecutors and Johns insisted that justice be served, comparing the abuse of an animal to that of a human, highlighting the severity of Jaimes’ actions.
Dr. Jerika Brooks, the lead shelter veterinarian, described Maya’s survival as a miracle, given the extent of her injuries. Jaimes’ plea for leniency based on her claimed PTSD and lack of memory was met with skepticism by prosecutors and Johns. They emphasized that the severity of the abuse, captured on video, warranted a harsh punishment to send a clear message that such acts of cruelty would not be tolerated in the county.
Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez expressed shock at the appalling nature of the crime, stating that in her nearly 20-year career, she had never encountered a case as egregious as this. The presence of video evidence made the case even more compelling, leading to Jaimes’ sentencing to over five years in prison. The judge’s decision to punish Jaimes served as a strong statement against animal cruelty, reinforcing the importance of accountability and justice for those who harm innocent animals.
