Man Accused In "Puppy Doe" Dog Abuse Case Convicted Of Theft

DEDHAM (AP) — A 34-year-old Polish immigrant accused in an animal cruelty case that drew wide attention two years ago has been convicted of related charges he stole $130,000 from an elderly woman he was caring for.

A Norfolk Superior Court jury found Radoslaw Czerkawski guilty of larceny Monday. His sentencing is Tuesday.

District Attorney Michael Morrissey said 95-year-old Janina Stock's family hired Czerkawski as her caregiver partly because they shared Polish heritage and language. Morrissey said he abused her trust by stealing her assets at the end of her life.

Czerkawski's attorney said Stock wanted his client to have the money.

Czerkawski has denied separate charges he tortured a year-old pit bull that had to be euthanized. The dog, nicknamed "Puppy Doe" by police, was abandoned near Stock's home the day she died of natural causes.