Chester Woman Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty Following Neglect Investigation

Queen Anne's County, MD - On April 6, 2026, Cindy Rena Jakobson of Chester, Maryland, pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty.

The charges stemmed from her failure to provide sufficient food, drink, or care for her dogs. This type of charge is punishable by a 90 day incarceration and/or a $1,000 fine.

In the Queen Anne's County District Court, following her guilty plea, she received a 90-day suspended jail sentence. She will also serve 18 months of unsupervised probation.

The convictions are the result of an investigation that began on November 27, 2025. Officers from the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Department and Animal Control responded to a report of a dead dog at Jakobson's home.

Upon arrival, Deputies and Animal Control Officers found the deceased dog. The animal was abnormally thin and showed clear signs of neglect.

Law Enforcement also discovered three living dogs on the property. These animals were confined in separate crates.

They had no access to food or water. The crates and surrounding areas were covered in feces and urine.

All three dogs appeared emaciated, and officers immediately removed the surviving animals from the property.

Assistant State's Attorney Jessica Davidson prosecuted the case.