Charges against woman accused of stealing monkeys from sanctuary are dismissed
October 22, 2008 12:00:00 am
by KEVIN HOFFMANN - The Kansas City Star
Charges have been dropped against a Kansas City woman accused of stealing monkeys from an animal sanctuary in southeastern Jackson County.
Catherine M. Montes reportedly paid $4,000 restitution to the victim, Dana Savorelli, owner of Monkey Island Rescue and Zoological Sanctuary. Savorelli also has a civil case pending against Montes.
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Three monkeys were taken from the sanctuary last year. Video surveillance showed a woman apparently drugging and taking the animals. Montes, a former volunteer at the sanctuary who allegedly left a note explaining her actions, faced burglary and theft charges.
Authorities in Buchanan County recovered two monkeys last month and returned them to Savorelli.
Tuesday, Savorelli voiced displeasure with the Jackson County prosecutor’s office.
“Why would you throw it out? Either you’re guilty or you’re not guilty,” he said. “Everything was good up to the point the monkeys were found by the other county.”
According to the prosecutor’s office, the charges were dismissed because of problems with evidence, including the fact that a former Monkey Island official told police he gave permission for Montes to take the animals.
