Rapper Aspen Easterling, known professionally as Aspen Kartier, was sentenced to 10 days in jail after pleading guilty Wednesday, Oct. 21, to a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge in DeKalb County.
Judge Alvin Wong credited Easterling with two days already served. Her sentence also includes probation, 24 anger-management classes, 100 hours of community service and an animal cruelty education and prevention program, according to Decaturish’s courtroom report.
The case followed a Jan. 29 Twitch livestream from Easterling’s Brookhaven apartment in which she struck a three-month-old puppy named Louie and lifted him by the skin of his back. Police arrested her the following day.
During sentencing, prosecutor Samantha Wicker presented the recording, which showed Easterling becoming angry after the puppy urinated on the floor, Decaturish reported.
“Frankly, I believe the video truly speaks for itself,” Wicker told the court.
Easterling, identified in the reports as 19, initially faced two animal cruelty counts. One was dismissed. Wong denied her request for first-offender treatment, according to Fox 5 Atlanta, citing the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office.
Officers escorted her from the courtroom to jail, prosecutors said.
Restrictions on contact with dogs
Both reports describe probation conditions barring Easterling from owning or possessing a dog or being in a dog’s presence. Fox reported that compliance checks would include unannounced visits.
The reports differ on the precise probation term. Fox describes a one-year sentence with 10 days in custody and the remainder on probation; Decaturish reports one year of probation.
They also give different restitution amounts for Louie’s care through LifeLine Animal Project. Decaturish reports $3,348, while Fox, citing prosecutors, reports $3,048. Fox additionally reports monthly probation fees of $39.
Defense describes impact on music career
Defense attorney Pat Dixon told the court that Easterling grew up in difficult circumstances in Chicago before moving to Brookhaven to pursue music.
Dixon said the abuse case led to canceled performances, lost sponsorships and delayed projects at Signal Records, according to Decaturish. Easterling told the court she remained signed to the label and wanted to continue her music career.
Decaturish also reported that she moved to Gwinnett County after her Brookhaven address circulated online.
Easterling and the person who claimed ownership of Louie surrendered their rights to the puppy, according to prosecutors cited by Fox. Decaturish identified the owner as Easterling’s boyfriend, Cristian Denis.
Fox reported that officials had not disclosed whether Louie had been adopted or remained in foster care.
Advocates for DeKalb Animals welcomed the prospect of a safe home for Louie and called on Brookhaven police to investigate Denis’ role. The reports do not establish whether police have opened an investigation into him.
