BUTTE, Mont. — A bench warrant without bond has been issued for Veronica Marie Lasell, 45, who is facing one misdemeanor and eight felony counts of cruelty to animals. Lasell failed to appear at two arraignments, prompting the warrant. She was expected to attend her arraignment on Wednesday afternoon before Silver Bow District Court Judge Robert Whelan but did not show up despite court records indicating she bonded out of jail the day prior.
Lasell faces charges for leaving four dogs and numerous cats at a Butte home without food or water, resulting in law enforcement needing to wear protective suits when performing a search warrant due to the filth. The dogs had to be euthanized due to previous attacks on people. The warrant was executed on Dec. 24, 2023, but court records show she was released on Jan. 2 after posting a $10,000 surety bond.
This was the second arraignment she has missed, and her attorney, Dan Miller, admitted to being virtually present at the hearing due to a mix-up with a different case. Miller expressed that he had not had any contact with Lasell, who is not on pre-trial services. The confusion continued as it was revealed that this was the case Miller was assigned to a year ago.
It remains unclear whether Lasell was aware of the hearing, and Deputy County Attorney Kaitlyn Lamb raised concerns about her absence. Lasell will not be released from custody until after the arraignment or if her attorney and the judge come to an agreement to ensure her appearance at the hearing.
In conclusion, Veronica Marie Lasell, 45, is facing a bench warrant without bail for failing to show up at two arraignments for charges including eight felony counts of cruelty to animals. This comes after she was expected to attend her arraignment on Wednesday afternoon before Silver Bow District Court Judge Robert Whelan but did not show up. Lasell faces charges for leaving four dogs and numerous cats at a Butte home without food or water, resulting in the euthanization of the dogs due to previous attacks on people. The confusion in the courtroom surrounding her absence and her attorney’s mix-up with another case adds layers of complexity to the situation.