BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Cheektowaga teen has pleaded guilty to three separate crimes, including trying to kill a family member's dog.
Zachary A. Jackson, 19, pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court Monday to one count of Arson in the Third Degree, one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, and one count of Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate.
Investigators say on October 15, 2022, Jackson intentionally poured lighter fluid on a pickup truck that belonged to a family member and then used a blowtorch to set it on fire. The fire was quickly put out by police and firefighters. The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle. Jackson was arraigned in Cheektowaga Town Court and later released under supervision. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
Jackson also tried to drown a family member's dog in a bathtub at a home on Girard Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga on April 19, 2023. The dog, named 'Sprocket' was taken to the emergency vet for treatment. Jackson was arraigned on the animal cruelty charge and was held without bail.
On September 19, 2023, Jackson, while in jail at the Erie County Holding Center, threw liquid, believed to be urine, at a jail deputy.
Jackson will be sentenced on January 3, 2024. He faces up to 15 years in prison. He remains held without bail.
