MADISON COUNTY (KFSM) — The Madison County sheriff announced Monday (Sept. 26) a list of disciplinary actions it is taking against a deputy who Washington County investigators say killed his K-9 after leaving her in a hot vehicle for several hours.
K-9 Lina died Sept. 9 after she was left in Deputy Jonathon Cornelison’s patrol vehicle from about 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to findings from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Madison County Sheriff Phillip Morgan has suspended Cornelison for 60 days without pay, removed him from the K-9 program, revoked his certification as a K-9 handler and issued a letter of reprimand that will be placed in Cornelison’s file, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cornelison will not face any criminal charges following a decision from the Washington County prosecutor who found the deputy did not intentionally hurt the dog.
During the investigation, Cornelison said the sheriff’s office had lost a few employees, so he was working five 10-hour days a week.
The sheriff’s office said Monday it will keep a closer eye on fatigue in the workplace and draft additional policies for when deputies respond to calls.
The sheriff’s office also noted the investigation into Lina’s death provided them with more information about heat sensors in K-9 vehicles.
