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Man who tortured tortoise sentenced
Mother of boy who owns pet speaks in court
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Courtesy of Christi Vaughan A 40-pound African spurred tortoise named Bob was abducted July 7 from his owner's backyard, slashed and later dumped behind an apartment complex in Ventura.
Video: Mosqueda sentenced
The mother of a 7-year-old boy who's tortoise was mutilated talks about the sentencing of the man responsible.Watch now »
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More from Local NewsA judge on Monday sentenced Jose "Tony" Mosqueda to 270 days in jail and five years' probation for the mutilation and torture of a tortoise that belongs to a 7-year-old autistic boy.
As part of the conditions of his probation, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Bruce Clark said Mosqueda may not have access to any animals, which means he will have to give up his pet iguana, dog and snake.
After the sentencing, prosecutor Wendy Macfarlane said that Mosqueda could go to prison if he violates the terms of the probation.
"That means if he is caught being around an animal or having access to an animal then he is going to be in violation of his probation terms, which could subject him to more time," she said.
The 40-pound African spurred tortoise was abducted July 7 from its owner's backyard, slashed and later dumped behind an apartment complex in Ventura.
Mosqueda, 18, has served 110 days in jail and has 55 days of good-conduct jail credit.
The judge ordered him to pay $5,479 as restitution for veterinary expenses and a security system the Sullivan family of Ventura installed in their home because of alleged death threats.
Macfarlane said the sentence wasn't inappropriate, but she would have preferred that Mosqueda serve more time behind bars. Mosqueda could have received up to three years in prison.
"I don't think it's too lenient. I think it sends a strong message to the defendant as well as to the public," said Macfarlane.
Mosqueda's lawyer, Brian Vogel, said the sentence is a little harsh.
"He is a first-time offender, and other than a truancy ticket, he has no record," Vogel said. "It seems like this is the kind of conduct that is out of character for him. We were hoping that the judge would reduce it to a misdemeanor."
He said that, politically, it's difficult for the judge to reduce the sentence because of media coverage and the emotional component of this case.
Vogel said his client sent a written apology to the Sullivans and wrote a letter to the boy.
"He is definitely remorseful about what happened," said Vogel. "He isn't proud of what happened. I don't think we're going to see anything like that again."
Before Mosqueda was sentenced, the boy's mother, Dorothy Sullivan, tearfully gave a victim's impact statement to the court while Mosqueda stood inside a large metal cage, which is used to detain inmates in the courtroom.
Sullivan said the family is having a difficult time trying to make sense of what Mosqueda did. She described how it affected her son, who she said is now very fearful.
Sullivan said the tortoise, named Bob, and her son were very close, and the animal was able to get her son to speak after years of silence.
"In one day, you took that away," she told Mosqueda. "The first time I heard my son speak was with Bob. ... What brought you to our house? I don't know you."
Sullivan said her son and her husband, Bill, have been threatened. Recently, the family's pet dachshund dog, Flapps, was poisoned.
"I've been told I am going to be shot in the head and so is my defective child," she told Mosqueda. "My dog was killed. ... I held her in my arms, and she died."
Sullivan told the judge that Bob, whom she described as a "gentle giant," was stabbed more than 22 times, his throat slashed and the bottom of his feet cut.
"You did it in front of the neighborhood children," she told Mosqueda, who lowered his head. "You threw Bob against a brick wall after you stabbed him."
The Sullivans said they are looking for another place to rent and want to move out of the neighborhood as soon as they can.
Sullivan said she has had to pay $1,000 for a security system to protect her family. She said her son had a birthday Sunday, but he couldn't invite friends over because it is not safe.
"And why are your friends after us?" she asked Mosqueda.
The Sullivans had asked the court to allow restitution of more than $1,000 in veterinarian fees to treat the dog.
Macfarlane, however, said later that there is no evidence that Mosqueda had anything to do with the dog's death. The judge also denied the $1,000 veterinarian fee.
The Sullivans were in court along with friends, animal lovers and activists. Sullivan gave the judge a petition with 3,600 signatures asking him to give Mosqueda a harsh sentence.
Posted by socal2wheelsguy on November 6, 2007 at 5:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Too harsh? This creep deserved the maximum sentence; he is a waste of space on this planet and deserves to rot in prison with the rest of his peers.
Posted by Vhoytec on November 6, 2007 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It bereaves my heart to know the nature of the human being, to know the message of our avatar’s, and (still) the monumental distance between them. It’s been 2000+ years! Will mankind ever get it? Will we ever make the decision to be kind to each other, to be kind to all of life?
Posted by AutumnRose on November 6, 2007 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The defense atty says the sentence is a little harsh because "He is a first-time offender, and other than a truancy ticket, he has no record"?
Maybe this is just the first time he got caught, or the first time charges were filed as previous victims might have feared retaliation.
I agree with indigogirl - mandatory counseling!
Posted by ironwoman on November 6, 2007 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure that the 6 year-old suffered the most out of all of this. This guy should have to serve a longer sentence. I hope he doesn't have any pets at home when he gets out.
Posted by Jacksprat on November 6, 2007 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't torture a tortoise, but the President say it is ok to to torture a person if he might just be a terrorist.
Posted by at8man on November 6, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps little "Tony" will become someone's "little pet" while doing time in prison!!! Wouldn't that be poetic justice?
Posted by socal2wheelsguy on November 6, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
at8man,
Unfortunately, this scum isn't going to prison; rather, he will enjoy the luxury of being in the Ventura County Jail, a jail so clean it looks like a hospital. This trash deserved time in state prison, not county jail. I hope the other inmates treat him the way he treated that tortoise.
Posted by chuckles on November 6, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
he deserves more than that! let's not forget, he tortured a pet that belonged to a special needs child, what is wrong with that kid? he needs a good foot in the arse for doing what he did. and his family should all pay!!! loser idiots.
Posted by joeMomma on November 6, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this scumbag got off easy. And clearly the cops can't protect this family, so they are forced to move. all these gangf scum should be shot and THEN deported...
Posted by DoctorDude on November 6, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The kid should have waterboarded the turtle instead, then it would have been ok.
Posted by mykdzmom2 on November 6, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The defense lawyer said: "He is definitely remorseful about what happened," said Vogel. "He isn't proud of what happened. I don't think we're going to see anything like that again."
What does he mean, "WHAT HAPPENED"? He makes it sound like some random thing, like a comet falling out of the sky. This was not something that "happened", it was a deliberate, cruel and vicious act that was done on purpose! It took a lot of effort to torture this poor defenseless animal. He should have gotten more time, and God save us all from the rest of his friends who are harrassing the family. It tells you a great deal what kind of person this is by the kind of company they keep.
Posted by RC on November 6, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this punk stabbed the poor turtle more than 22 times, slashed his throat and cut the bottom of his feet cut...what a monster. I cna;t understand why anyone woudl do something like this. there is something wrong with this person. and so you really thi he is going to pay the family back?? I doubt it
Posted by Mary1 on November 6, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was in court, and there was not a dry eye, while Mrs.Sullivan was speaking, This mom is a strong and brave woman. She stood up to these criminals. To hear the horror of what Mosquedo did to Bob, and the victim intimidation, and death threats,that the Sullivans endured, and their dog was murdered. There little boy could not have a birthday party because it is not safe they are going to have to rent a place to have a late party. They are forced to rent a new home due to threats. All the ongoing vet bills,medical bills, moving, therapy costs, security, the financial and emotional damage is huge. Tony has no money or job, he will never pay restitution, he has three meals a day,and a bed. The legal system needs an overhaul! This mom has worked so hard to save her son from the prison of Autism, she became an expert on animal therapy, she cured her son of autism. Then Tony destroyed all the hard work and sacrifices this family made for their child. This mom defied the Dr.Prognosis and she saved her son from the silent world of Autism and Angelmans. This mom is a very strong and brave woman. More mothers need to have this devotion to their children
Posted by KS on November 6, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
what are they doing about the losers friends that are threatening the family? probably nothing. i guess it is just a coincidence that their dog was poisoned and killed.....i hope the family is able to move out of the area before someone gets hurt.
Posted by Joker on November 6, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He should have received more time.... It all starts with harming an animal then a human good call judge put a future murder back in the streets.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on November 6, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
adam.roland ,Your kidding right? I never have invited an ant or snail or any bug ,especially a rat to live in my house ! My Dog on the other hand I did.......Rats and ants go through the house and get into food and things where they shouldn't be.Rats carry DISEASE !!!!! HELLO....... that is the difference !!!!!!!
Honestly we have all spoken of how we feel about this idiot!! I think right now we need to focus on praying for the little boy to recover........along with Bob.
Posted by SummerSun on November 6, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This punk needs to have the same thing happen to him that happened to Bob. Slam his sorry but against a wall, after being stabbed mutlitple times. This piece of garbage should rot in jail till hell freezes over!
Posted by sunnbear on November 6, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey adam.roland...if dogs were crawling in a line all over my kitchen and horses were taking over my attic, believe me, I would be stamping and setting traps all over the place. I suppose if a rattlesnake was about to strike, you wouldn't think about getting him first? Come on. As far as I'm concerned, Mosqueda is more like a germ than an animal. Does your heart bleed for germs too?
Posted by drumsnwhistles on November 6, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If only we were as outraged over the torture of people.
I do think Mosqueda should receive a harsh sentence -- this was intentional cruelty to the animal and the little boy who loves him and deserves to be punished appropriately.
Of course, I feel that way about torture in general.
Posted by justmeinsp on November 6, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with KS re: this convict's friends threatening the Sullivans... why didn't authorities tap their phone to trace the calls when the Sullivans reported it? That means this convict also has 'sick' friends and/or family members... I wish the best for Bob & the Sullivans, and I wish young Master Sullivan a happy birthday this weekend (we scorpios stick together!)
Posted by ironwoman on November 6, 2007 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
adam.roland- Are people being too mean to Mr. Mosquito? I think he deserves some constructive criticism in this case. Maybe you should volunteer your time at the main jail to counsel this young man.
I also recall Mosquito's sister stating that it was a "dumb turtle" anyway. I know it wasn't a turtle but that's what she had stated.
Sounds to me that they are pretty heartless people.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on November 6, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VPD will ferret out and arrest the scum who are threatening members of the Sullivan family just as they did with Mosqueda. The investigative wheels are turning. Just give 'em time.
Though Mosqueda had no record except for the truancy cite until the current felony, he may be a member of a criminal street gang. At least, the conduct of his supporters seems to point in that direction. If so, the chances of him ending up in prison due to a probation violation are quite likely.
Posted by Vhoytec on November 6, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Adam, you’ve got it! Ever still, flying right over their heads. Can one really be challenged by another claiming carnage is the only answer?
Posted by socal2wheelsguy on November 6, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Mosquitotrash's parents ought to be forced to compensate the Sullivans for the heinous acts of the excrement they call their son.
Posted by chuckles on November 6, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the sucker should get more as i stated earlier like receiving....possibly the same torture HE gave to that turtle? how about it!? cut off his feet and legs and scrape off some neck, then see how it feels buddy. then dump him behind the same apt complex as Bob was dumped. oh yea, followed by some antifreeze. i'm starting to dig the "eye for an eye" philosophy. these little punks need to punished. how ya like me now!
Posted by chuckles on November 6, 2007 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the sucker should get more as i stated earlier like receiving....possibly the same torture HE gave to that turtle? how about it!? cut off his feet and legs and scrape off some neck, then see how it feels buddy. then dump him behind the same apt complex as Bob was dumped. oh yea, followed by some antifreeze like the poor dog. i'm starting to dig the "eye for an eye" philosophy. these little punks need to punished. how ya like me now!
Posted by amycastillo78 on November 6, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people with the waterboarding comments ought to get a life. I've been waterboarded (part of POW training in the Air Force), and I've surfed most of my life. The near-drownings I've had while surfing are far worse.
Carving up a tortoise is not, Mr. Vogel, your client's first offense. Nobody goes from truancy to tortoise-carving in one step. Maybe you should talk to your clients every once in a while. Ask them what they've been up to.
Posted by clairewhoisabear on November 7, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please visit our website www.justiceforbob.com to learn more about this story and find out how YOU can help the Sullivan family recovery from this horrible event in their lives. There are links to a wonderful Youtube video tribute to Bob, as well as Bob's terrific Myspace page.
Posted by socal2wheelsguy on November 7, 2007 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ventura P.D. should pay close attention to the Mosqueda family and friends, and cite/arrest them for any violations of law whatsoever. It shouldn't be the Sullivans that are forced to move; rather, Mosqueda and his family and friends ought to suffer so much harrassment from the police and the community that they are the ones that are forced to move.
Posted by FedUp on November 7, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I invite this sick little ahole to come over to my house, anytime. I dare him to try and harm any of my animals.
I hope VPD catches whatever gang banging losers are threatening the Sullivan family. they are just as bad as this little c---roach.
Posted by nunyabiznus on November 8, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
call me stupid, but, what is waterboarding?
Posted by RC on November 8, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nunyabiznus...ur not stupid..I don't know what it is either
Posted by tesseract on November 8, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there anything we can do to make sure he gets psychiatric counseling after he gets out of jail? What he did is really scary and not normal.
Posted by QuestionAuthority on November 8, 2007 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Waterboarding---http://www.venturacou...
If I were a betting individual--I would bet that this is NOT the first, second, or third time this person committed cruelty to animals but only the first time he was cought. Send him to the Mental Institution and keep him there until.....
Posted by dsull37449 on November 8, 2007 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tony Mosquedo has a history of animal abuse,another time he skinned a snake alive at the river bottom, in front of witnesses. This was not allowed to be brought up because the witnesses would of had to go public, and they were afraid. Bob was just the most recent animal victim of Mosquedo.Fortunately There will be mandatory counseling as part of his probation. As for restitution he does not have a dime to his name or a job, this will never be enforced, and Bob is still undergoing vet care, and he will need at least one more surgery. VPD has done a great job! They caught Mosquedo and were responsible for his conviction. They jumped on this case from day one, I am really impressed with their tenacity. I would of liked at least a year in jail, this may make him think twice before he acts on another criminal impulse. To the community thank you so much for your support,and kindness it gave me the strength to fight for justice, and stand up to Mosquedo in court. I am forever grateful for all the kind letters, and phone calls, we have recieved. Thank you. Dorothy Sulivan
Posted by roseann on November 9, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the Sullivan family: May God bless you and watch over you. My heart goes out to you.
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