Thursday, February 21, 2008

Suspected dog thief gets bail, reward returned

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

Much may be out of your control, but there are some factors that you definitely can alter. A difficult change that has taken place will eventually prove good. What looks like a serious problem is actually a blessing in disguise.

Gemini (May 21 — June 21)

Some say that goldfish have five-second memories, which allow them to go round and round in their tiny bowls without getting bored. This is not unlike a saga that keeps repeating itself in your life. Today brings a chance to ensure that, this time, it has a different outcome.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 — Nov. 22)

After making a decision, it can prove offensive if someone calls it into question. But good advice can come from the strangest sources, so be open-minded. Something very useful will come to your attention, even if it annoys you at first.

Pisces (Feb. 20 — March 20)

Sagacity sometimes has to be borrowed. Do not hesitate to take the recommendation of a certain someone whose judgment is usually good. Though the decision you face is daunting, this person knows which alternative is worth taking.

Read Phil Booth at thestar.com/horoscope.



Suspected dog thief gets bail, reward returned

TARA WALTON/TORONTO STAR
Bert Clark plays with his dog, Huckleberry, on Feb. 18, 2008.
Police urge 2 others believed to be involved to turn themselves in
February 21, 2008

Staff Reporter

Two men facing charges in a bizarre dognapping plot made brief separate court appearances yesterday afternoon, as police urged two other individuals believed to be involved to turn themselves in.

The dog's owner, Bert Clark, had offered a $15,000 reward for the safe return of the dog. Police said yesterday money had been returned to him.

Richard Cassibo, 54, of Toronto, was granted bail yesterday as his daughter and father looked on and appeared visibly flustered. A heavyset man, Cassibo – wearing a green shirt and brown jacket – appeared tired as he heard the charges against him and his co-accused, Andrew Footit, 31, whose bail hearing was put over to today.

Both men are facing charges of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, corruptly taking a reward for the recovery of goods, and possession of property obtained by crime and fraud. Cassibo also faces a charge of public mischief.

Cassibo's daughter said little about her father's release.

"We have no comment right now, because frankly, as far as I am concerned, this is nobody's business," she said as she guided her grandfather away.

The judge ordered a publication ban on the proceedings, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. Police also said they were looking for two young people who they believe were involved in the dognapping.

"We know who you are," Det. Robert Ermacora said at a news conference yesterday. "Speak to your lawyers and turn yourselves over." The detective said he couldn't reveal how the youths were connected to Cassibo and Footit.

The charges against Cassibo and Footit stem from an incident on Saturday when police were alerted to a theft of Huckleberry, a chocolate Lab, outside a building near Yonge and Roxborough Sts. According to police, a dog walker tied the dog outside the building on Yonge St. When she returned, the dog was gone.

The accused men contacted Clark, the owner, returned the dog and were given a cheque

for $15,000.

- With files from Michele Henry

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