OWEGO – The suspect in the Tioga Downs fire that killed 30 horses and injured a trainer has pleaded guilty to 32 counts, including arson and assault.
According to court documents, Boyd H. Fenton pleaded guilty to arson in the third degree, a Class C felony, in Tioga County Court on Monday, Jan. 29.
Fenton, who is from Athens, also pleaded guilty to 30 counts of interference with a certain animal, a Class E felony, and one count of assault in the second degree, a Class C felony.
Fenton was accused of unlawfully entering a barn at Tioga Downs in Nichols on Nov. 9 and setting a fire that killed 30 horses and one cat, destroyed the building and injured a trainer who tried to save the horses.
He was charged with one count of arson in the third degree (Class C felony); one count of assault in the second degree (Class C felony); one count of burglary in the third degree (Class D felony); 38 counts of criminal mischief in the second degree (Class D felony); 30 counts of interference with or injury to certain domestic animals (Class E felony); 31 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals (unclassified misdemeanor); one count of aggravated cruelty to animals (Class E felony); and two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree (Class A misdemeanor).
Fenton has pleaded not guilty to all other charges.
