On February 1, 2013, Judge G. Michael Canaday sentenced Gerald Brent Debarge to three (3) years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections; however, he suspended one (1) year. Judge Canaday also ordered Debarge to serve six months concurrent in the parish jail for resisting an officer. Upon completion, Debarge will be on supervised probation for two (2) years. Judge Canaday denied two defense motions of acquittal and a new trial.
On January 24, 2013, a jury found Debarge guilty of killing or injuring a police animal, and Judge Canaday found Debarge guilty of resisting an officer. Debarge is also required to pay a $5,000 fine and the canine’s vet bill.