May 23, 2007
Detective Fred the Cat's Bust Gets Probation
An epilogue in the story of Fred, the kitten who was deputized by the Brooklyn District Attorney after helping sting a fake veterinarian last year: Steven Vassall was sentenced to psychiatric treatment and avoids prison. A bull terrier owner had contacted the authorities after he became suspicious of Vassall's lack of post-surgery treatment for the pet.
Last month, NY Times had suggested that Vassall would get a plea deal, as he claimed "serious and persistent mental illness." Vassall, who pleaded guilty to "one count of scheme to defraud and one count of unauthorized practice, both felonies," cried during yesterday's sentencing. His five-day-a-week psychiatric program will take 2-3 years, but the Post reports that Vassall can be sent to prison if he doesn't perform well.
And Fred the cat died a few months after his moment in the sun; he was hit by a car when he ran into the street. But his inspiring story reminds us that there are many wonderful pets with crime-fighting potential that can be adopted through Animal Care & Control of New York.
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Rest In Peace, Fred.
Seriously people, did he really fight crime? He was at best a bait used to entrap the lunatic.
With that said, rest in peace, Freddy boy.
People really need to be more careful with thier pets..This cat could have lived a long and happy life, if it had not been allowed otside
I think a bust of Fred should be put outside NYPD HQ, and a street should be named after him.
The NYPD will put a bust of my ass up outside their HQ before they put Fred's. If they do so, is it gonna be a bust of Fred after the car accident/mob hit?
From what I understand, Fred wasn't allowed outside, but ran outside when a house door was opened. Sometimes, cats are like that. RIP, Fred.