QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Cory Elder on charges stemming from a search of his Edgemere home, which uncovered severe animal cruelty and illegal substances. Authorities found 11 dogs and two cats in a state of malnourishment, confined in small cages, along with heroin, fentanyl, and ammunition.
Elder, 43, faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted. The charges against him include criminal possession of a controlled substance, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, possession of stolen property, and unlawful possession of ammunition, among others. This case highlights the significant impact of the NYPD and ASPCA’s partnership in rescuing vulnerable animals.
Additionally, Elder is implicated in a separate incident involving a burglary at a Rosedale smoke shop on February 3, alongside 19-year-old Damion Bartely of Brooklyn. The arrest follows a detailed police investigation, leading to the recovery of the malnourished animals and the seizure of illegal substances and stolen goods from Elder’s residence. Judge John Michael Hartofilis has scheduled Elder to return to court on March 11.