A former LA County Assistant Chief narrowly escaped a jail sentence earlier this month after he was convicted of animal cruelty in the beating of a neighbor's dog in 2008.
Chief Glynn Johnson alleged he was acting in self defense when the 6 month old puppy bit him, nearly severing his thumb. However, a jury found him guilty of felony animal cruelty in January, 2010. Between the time of the incident and the trial, Chief Johnson retired from the fire department.
Chief Johnson was sentenced on April 2, 2010, but his attorney said they plan to appeal.