A judge in Beaumont on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Karen Crooke. She pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in a neglect investigation.
Beaumont animal service workers were dispatched to Crooke's home in April after neighbors complained about the property. An attorney for Crooke says the woman just wanted to care for the cats and became overwhelmed in the process.
Crooke must serve five years of deferred probation, pay a $500 fine and do 600 hours of community service. That time must be served with the Humane Society of Southeast Texas.
