Amy Willi, a 45-year-old resident of Mastic, has pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree following an incident where her dog, Kojo, mauled a two-year-old boy and attacked the child's uncle. The announcement was made by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
"The defendant’s dog’s dangerous tendencies coupled with her failure to properly secure the animal led to an innocent child and his uncle sustaining serious injuries," stated District Attorney Tierney. "Pet owners must understand the serious responsibility that comes with owning animals. Necessary precautions pet owners must take to ensure the safety of their pets, and the community include maintaining secure enclosures, using leashes in public areas, and not leaving their animals unattended where they could potentially escape. Failure to do so can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this case."
Court documents reveal that on March 14, 2023, Willi opened her front door while a two-year-old boy was playing across the street. At this moment, she failed to secure Kojo inside her home. The dog ran out and attacked the toddler. The boy's uncle intervened but was bitten on his left forearm before Kojo turned back on the child causing multiple lacerations.
The attack ceased when family members forced Kojo away from the child. The toddler received emergency treatment at Stony Brook University Hospital for his injuries.
Willi admitted knowing about Kojo's violent tendencies during her guilty plea allocution.
On September 25, 2024, Willi entered her plea before Acting County Court Judge F. Scott Carrigan. As part of her plea agreement, she is prohibited from owning or caring for any animals for three years.
She is scheduled for sentencing on November 20, 2024 and is represented by Gregory Kalmar.
Assistant District Attorney Adriana Noyola of the Biological Environmental Animal Safety Team (BEAST) is prosecuting this case with support from Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad.