Paterson NJ - Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the entry of a guilty plea in the
matter of State of New Jersey v. Tonya Fea.
Tonya Fea pled guilty today to Animal Cruelty, a third-degree crime, before the Honorable
Marilyn C. Clark, J.S.C.
Tonya Fea admitted under oath that on April 30, 2019, she submerged her golden retriever
puppy in a pond located in West Milford, New Jersey, disregarding whether the dog was alive at the
time. She further admitted the puppy died because of her actions.
Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, the State has recommended that Ms. Fea be
placed on probation for a period of 5 years with the condition that she serve 180 days in the Passaic
County Jail. Under the terms of the plea, Ms. Fea will also be required to continue counseling,
perform 100 days of community service, and refrain from owning dogs in the future.
An October 5, 2021 sentence date has been set before the Honorable Marilyn C. Clark, J.S.C.
The State is represented by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Fetterman. Tonya Fea is represented
by Richard Baldi, Esq.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident or other incidents regarding this individual to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.
For media inquiries concerning this case, contact Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Fetterman of
the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at jfetterman@passaiccountynj.org or at (973) 881-4811.