Man accused of starving dog to death turns self in to police

Starvation is suspected in death of Mandy, a two-year-old pit bull mix; inset Michael Jouvelakas (Courtesy photo; inset Rochester Police)

ROCHESTER - The man suspected of starving his dog to death has turned himself into police.

Michael Jouvelakas, 30, of Rochester, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals stemming from an incident and investigation that began on Oct. 3 when police got a call that there was a deceased dog in the basement of Jouvelakas' residence.

Police were advised that Jouvelakas had just left the residence, and the caller thought the dog had been shot and that Jouvelakas was still armed.

Police located Jouvelakas nearby and were able to speak with him about the dog while other officers responded to the residence where they found the dog's body wrapped in a blanket inside a trash bag in the bed of a pickup truck.

At that point the dog's cause of death was not obvious, though it did show signs of malnourishment, police said.

Jouvelakas was taken into custody for driving after revocation/suspension.

During an investigation police learned the dog, Mandy, a two-year-old pit bull mix, was not shot, but appeared to have died due to issues related to starvation.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said Jouvelakas knew police were continuing to investigate the dog's death.

He said police first sent the dog's body for a necropsy and then had consulted with animal forensic experts before drawing up a warrant for his arrest.

Jouvelakas was bailed on personal recognizance with an arraignment in Rochester District Court on March 30.

Police are asking that anyone who information pertaining to this case contact them at 603-330-7128. Tipsters can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.