“Maplewood Family Hope Stolen Dog Pablo Will be Returned as Thief Gets Prison Sentence”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Maplewood Family Holds Out Hope for the Safe Return of Stolen Dog

In a heart-wrenching incident that shook the Maplewood community, a St. Paul man has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for stealing a beloved family dog and holding it for ransom. Christopher Brigham, 24, stole Pablo, a 3-year-old French bulldog, from the family’s porch on May 9. After pleading guilty to theft in October, Brigham is now facing the consequences of his heartless actions.

The entire incident was captured on surveillance video, which showed a woman, later identified as Chanessa Gipson, approaching the front door and making off with the unsuspecting Pablo. The family initially held onto the hope that their furry companion would resurface, either in a local pound or through the power of social media. However, as days turned into weeks, their desperation grew.

Two days after the theft, Brigham reached out to the dog’s owner via Facebook, demanding a hefty sum of $500 in exchange for Pablo’s safe return. The distraught owner agreed to meet Brigham to make the exchange, but he suddenly stopped responding to her messages. It was then that she received a shocking call, revealing that Brigham and a female accomplice were involved in a dog-stealing operation. They would identify lost dogs and either sell them for profit or demand a reward from their rightful owners.

Investigators wasted no time in taking action. They managed to contact Brigham and issued a warning: return the dog immediately or face serious criminal charges. Thankfully, their persistence paid off, and Pablo was safely reunited with his grateful family.

Brigham’s sentencing took place on Tuesday, and he was handed a 21-month prison term. It is worth noting that he is currently serving a 36-month sentence for an unrelated gun charge. These sentences will be served concurrently, ensuring that he faces the full consequences of his criminal actions.

The Maplewood community, relieved by the dog’s return, can finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, incidents like these serve as a reminder for pet owners to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to keep their furry companions safe. It is crucial to secure doors and gates, install surveillance cameras, and microchip pets to increase the chances of recovery in case of theft or loss.

As the Maplewood family cherishes their reunion with Pablo, they hope that this incident raises awareness about the importance of pet safety and encourages others to take the necessary steps to protect their beloved animals. In the end, it is the love and dedication of pet owners that will ultimately triumph over the dark intentions of those who seek to harm or profit from innocent animals.

Note: The video above originally aired on May 19, 2023. For more news and updates, visit CBS News..