LANSING, MI — A 51-year-old Michigan State University Health Physicist has been charged with two counts of committing a crime against nature for reportedly penetrating a dog with both his hand and penis, authorities announced Monday. Joseph Hattey, of Holt, faces a 15-year felony for allegedly sodomizing the 15-year-old Bassett Hound named Flash, the criminal complaint reads.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement that the investigation was conducted by the Ingham County Animal Control in conjunction with the Ingham County Sheriff's Department and that the dog "has been removed from harm." The dog is currently in the custody of the Ingham County Animal Control.

According to authorities, Hattey, an employee of Michigan State University, is not alleged to have conducted the acts on campus or with an animal owned by the university. Charges were authorized by Magistrate Mark Blumer of the 55th District Court and he is expected to be arraigned soon.

Charges against Hattey come on the heels of another sexual abuse scandal at MSU, involving fLarry Nassar, a former doctor who sexually assaulted young women under the guise of a medical treatment.

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