BRICK – The two alleged animal hoarders were free while awaiting trial, however the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said they should be back in jail due to violating the terms of their release.
Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, both of Brick, were awaiting trial for Animal Cruelty and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Police had found 129 dogs and 43 cats located in their Arrowhead Park Drive home, and six dogs and one cat living in a vehicle parked outside the house.
Lonczak’s 16-year-old child was living in the house as well and they were ordered to have no contact with her as she was sent to live with other family members.
In a recent hearing, the women asked for their seven “personal dogs” to be returned to them in the meantime. The court did not make a decision.
A hearing was scheduled for January 24. On January 10, Nycz attempted to have the motion that they can’t contact the child revoked. That request was denied.
However, on January 19, Lonczak and Nycz allegedly went to the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Stafford Township demanding the return of their dogs. Shelter employees did not turn the dogs over and called police. Lonczak’s daughter was with them.
“The actions of the defendants on January 19, 2023 violate the pre-trial release conditions,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. “As such, we have filed motions to revoke the pre-trial release of both Lonczak and Nycz. Based on their actions yesterday, we will be requesting that these defendants be detained pending trial.”
The motions are pending a hearing date in Ocean County Superior Court.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
