Sisto Michael Fea, 24, is charged with felony crimes against nature, felony cruelty to animals and misdemeanor cruelty to animals

WILMINGTON -- Bail was reduced Monday for a Wilmington man accused of raping a dog after a witness told police she spotted the assault in a yard on Bagley Avenue.

Sisto Michael Fea, 24, is charged with felony crimes against nature, felony cruelty to animals and misdemeanor cruelty to animals. He was arrested Saturday.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, a witness called 911 and said she was on Bagley Avenue when she saw a man walk out of the home on Bagley Avenue carrying a small dog. Once on the porch, the man proceeded to rape the dog, according to the report. When the dog reacted, the man dropped the animal, kicked it off the porch and walked back inside, the witness said. A short time later, the man reemerged and again sexually abused the dog. The witness flashed her headlights at him this time, and the man went inside again.

Police went to the home Friday and were unable to make contact, said WPD spokeswoman Cathryn Lindsay. The following day officers returned and after some time obtained a search warrant, Lindsay said. The animal was taken into custody and Fea was arrested and his bail set at $50,000.

In court on Monday, Fea's attorney, Merritt Wagoner, said his client denies the allegation. Wagoner asked for an unsecured bond.

Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan said the witness was sitting in the parking lot of a nearby church when she witnessed the abuse of the 22-pound collie named Lola. Police seized the animal and a veterinarian examined the animal and used a sexual assault kit. A special light that identifies bodily fluid was also used on the animal and a spot was seen, Jordan said. During a search of Fea's home police seized a jar of petroleum jelly, Jordan said.

Judge Sandra Ray was not willing to release Fea without a bond. Instead, she reduced his bail to $25,000. If Fea makes bail, Ray ordered, he is to be on electronic monitoring.

Lola, who is currently being housed in the New Hanover County Animal Services shelter, is going to stay with a foster family, Jordan said in court. Ray ordered Fea to stay away from the animal and that Lola not be released to Fea's roommates or family.

Reporter F.T. Norton can be reached at 910-343-2070 or Fran.Norton@StarNewsOnline.com.