A Bend woman accused of negligently causing the death of a former Silverton man during a dog attack in July may potentially reach a plea agreement ahead of a trial set for January.
Jessica Rae McCleery, 38, is scheduled for a settlement conference Dec. 21 in Deschutes County Circuit Court related to the July 19 death of Joe Keeton, 56.
Public defender Raun Atkinson said in court filings a plea deal was “highly probable” and prosecutors have already submitted one offer. Proposed settlement terms from both parties must be filed by Dec. 20.
The case is otherwise scheduled for trial Jan. 9, 2024, with a hearing Jan. 2, 2024 to confirm parties are ready to proceed.
McClerry, whose legal last name is Charity, is charged with first-degree manslaughter and criminally-negligent homicide and faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted.
Her three pitbull/mastiff mix dogs fatally mauled Keeton July 19 at a homeless encampment outside Bend where both were living. Prosecutors claim McCleery left the dogs unsupervised despite their history of violence toward people and animals. McCleery has pleaded not guilty and denies the dogs were dangerous.
– Stephen Floyd
