A Sherrard woman has been arrested again on animal cruelty charges. 59-year-old Karen Plambeck is facing three Class 4 felony counts. The investigation involves the recovery of 198 dogs. She was taken into custody over the weekend and has since posted ten-percent of her $25,000 bond.
In a press release from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Dusty Terrill says the resources required for such an investigation are immense. He adds Mercer County Animal Control is focusing all of their resources and time to care for and find places to accept and care for the dogs.
In May, Plambeck pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge in a 2019 animal cruelty case. She was placed on 24-months court supervision and fined $300. As part of the sentence, she was also required to allow IDNR, Illinois Department of Ag, or the Mercer County Animal Control office to come on her property without notice to check the status of her animals. She was originally facing five misdemeanor counts accusing her of failing to provide a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food to four horses she owned. Those charges were dismissed as part of her guilty plea to the disorderly conduct charge.