Mineola, NY - September 22, 2015 - After the judge has ruled in favor of the prosecution allowing statements made by Shawana Dearing Hughes and her husband Lee Hughes to investigators of Attorney General's office to be used at the upcoming trial, one of the three defendants pleaded guilty to three felonies and two misdemeanors in his part in the Miss Harper case. On Friday, September 4^th with Nassau County SPCA Court Advocacy Members in the Court room, Reginald Smith pleaded guilty to his part in the in the horrendous act of cruelty to Miss Harper. Reginald Smith will be sentence on November 6th.

The remaining two defendants, Shawana Dearing Hughes and her husband Lee Hughes are scheduled for motions on October 9th and than to possibly set a trial date in the future for trial.

The Nassau County SPCA is eternally grateful to the advocacy members who continue to show their support in our quest for justice for Miss Harper.

The Nassau County SPCA will once again have advocacy members attend Nassau County Criminal Court Part 98 in Mineola (see map  below) for the trail of the Hughes and the sentencing of Smith. Please join us! Miss Harper was found last September with her back leg and both her ears cut off. Three people were arrested and charged with animal cruelty in connection with this case.    

The Nassau County SPCA Court Advocacy members will be present  at all proceeding to convey a strong message to the defendant, the judge, and all other interested parties in the criminal justice system: this community cares about the outcome of these animal abuse cases.

We sincerely appreciate the court advocacy members who took the time to show their support for Miss Harper today.