NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — New Franklin resident James M. Genovese, 47, who is accused of trying to poison cats at a Green mobile home park, made an appearance in Barberton Municipal Court on Thursday.
Genovese pleaded not guilty to two counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of poisoning animals. He posted a $10,000 bond and is on house arrest. He has been ordered not to visit the Sandy Beach Trailer Park.
Residents of the Sandy Beach Trailer Park on South Main Street say Genovese placed bowls of antifreeze around the property in an effort to harm the cats. The Summit County Sheriff's Office arrested him on March 1.
The alleged incident occurred back on Feb. 23, when neighbors spotted more than 50 bowls of the antifreeze-like substance across the mobile home park. Sandy Beach is home to upwards of 40 cats, and following reports of the poisoning plot the Humane Society of Summit County conducted a thorough search of the facility on Thursday. No dead or injured animals were found on the property, according to officials.
Genovese is expected to be back in Barberton Municipal Court on April 23, at 9:30 a.m.