The State Attorney's Office announced Wednesday it is charging a Sebastian police officer with misdemeanor animal cruelty in the death of his K-9 partner, Diesel.

The dog was found dead in Officer Eric Antosia's patrol car on April 28 in Brevard County, officials said. Diesel had been left inside the car for several hours.

Antosia called 911 dispatchers to report the German shepherd's death.

Melbourne police investigated the case and turned in its findings to the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, which agreed to prosecute Antosia. The office handles cases in Brevard and Seminole counties.

Diesel had been with the force for just a couple of years. Prior to Diesel, Antosia had another K-9 partner for more than six years, Sebastian police spokesman Cmdr. John Blackledge said.

Following Diesel's death, the Police Department placed Antosia on paid leave for a couple of weeks before returning him to patrol duty in late May, Blackledge said.

The misdemeanor charge is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000, according to state statutes. The statute is in place for anyone who "unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter or who unnecessarily mutilates or kills any animal."

After the State Attorney's Office announced the animal cruelty charge, Sebastian police put Antosia on administrative leave without pay Wednesday pending the outcome of the criminal case. When that is completed, the department will open an internal affairs review of Antosia's actions and Diesel's death.

"The state and federal law is clear with how you have to do this," Blackledge said about the delay for the internal affairs case.

Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris will not make a statement about the K-9's death until the internal investigation is complete. She is prohibited by state statutes from commenting before the case is complete.

Police also would not comment about what punishment Antosia could face if, during the internal affairs review, the department concludes he committed any violations.

Melbourne police have not said what the official cause of death was for Diesel. Police could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

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