Attorney General's Office charges Michigan State University health physicist with bestiality

Matt Mencarini | Lansing State Journal

LANSING - The Michigan Attorney General's Office has charged a Michigan State University physicist for allegedly penetrating a dog with both his hand and penis, according to a release.

Joseph Hattey, 51, of Holt, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. An arrest warrant was approved Monday on two counts of sodomy for committing a crime against nature (bestiality).

The AG's Office said in the release that Hattey, an MSU employee, is not alleged to have conducted the acts on campus or with an animal owned by the university.

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He was arraigned on charges Monday afternoon and Magistrate Mark Blumer set a $5,000 personal recognizance bond, meaning Hattey could be released without posting any money.

"These are merely allegations that have not been proven," Hattey's attorney, Alexander Rusek, said. "Mr. Hattey pleaded not guilty in court today and looks forward to addressing the fact of the matter during the preliminary examination."

A preliminary hearing, which will determine if there's enough evidence for Hattey to stand trial, has been set for June 21.

The charges stem from an investigation by Ingham County Animal Control in conjunction with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.

The AG's Office said the dog, a basset hound, has been removed from harm and is currently in the custody of Ingham County Animal Control.

Hattey, according to the university's website, is a health physicist within MSU's Environmental Health and Safety office. He has previously been assigned duties within the university's Veterinarian Diagnostic Laboratory.

John Dinon, the Ingham County Animal Control director, declined to comment, as did Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth.

A message left seeking comment from MSU was not returned.

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Contact Matt Mencarini at (517) 267-1347 or mmencarini@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMencarini.