Monday, Sep 10, 2012
US - A man who suspected an 18-year-old visiting his Wisconsin home, in north-central US, of stealing morphine and gold coins was charged with tying the teenager by his ankles and ordering his pit bull to attack, while the boy's own father helped.
Richard R. Lisko, 58, is charged with false imprisonment, injury by negligent use of a dangerous weapon and substantial battery.
The teen's father, Joel E. Kennedy, 43, is charged with being party to a crime and also with failing to help a victim.
Prosecutors said Kennedy and his son, Joel Kennedy Jr, visited Lisko's home last Friday for the weekend, and Lisko began accusing the teen of theft.
He then commanded his dog, Bubba, to attack, the criminal complaint said.
The teen told investigators Lisko then tied the dog leash around his ankles, and Lisko and his father suspended him from a porch rafter.
He said the dog was ordered to attack him further, and that he was kept upside down for about an hour, AP reported.
The teen suffered cuts and punctures to his neck, ears and scalp that investigators said appeared consistent with dog bites and scratches. He also had rope burns around his feet and ankles.
"My dad helped the guy tie me up," the teen told a local TV station.
"I was dripping blood everywhere, all over the place. I kept thinking 'What's going to happen to me? What's going to happen to me'?"
He said his ordeal ended when Lisko's friend, Mr Harry Haack, stopped by and demanded the men release him. "He's the only one who did the right thing," the teen told the TV station.
The senior Kennedy told detectives he didn't try to stop Lisko as "he felt his son needed to be taught a lesson".
