Chester County man pleads guilty to killing dogs

WEST CHESTER A man accused of running a dogfighting ring in his Chester County basement and torturing the pit bulls that did not perform well pleaded guilty Wednesday.

Shane Santiago, 34, and his wife, Laura Acampora, who pleaded guilty to similar charges in October, await sentencing.

Police began investigating the couple after finding two dead dogs, one burned alive in its cage, along a road. In December, police searched the West Brandywine Township home the couple shared with their five children and found injured and malnourished dogs. They also found a noose Santiago used to hang dogs, police said.

Santiago admitted killing 10 animals and said dogs were executed by drowning, electrocution, or hanging if they quit during a fight, according to police.

On Wednesday in Chester County Court, Santiago pleaded guilty to a host of charges, including conspiracy to commit animal cruelty, endangering the welfare of a child, and animal cruelty.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, one count of which carries a two-year mandatory minimum because he was in a school zone, according to Michael Noone, Chester County first assistant district attorney.

Santiago is being held with bail set at $250,000.

Acampora, 34, was released on bail after pleading guilty Oct. 1. Her sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9.

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@TriciaNadolny