Documents filed with the court show that on May 25 and 26, 2011, the Stevens County Sheriffs Office investigated an Animal Cruelty complaint involving horses that were on property owned by John Herbert Friedlund.  A local veterinarian was called and confirmed that the horses were in poor condition. The horses were removed for treatment and care.

Deputies learned that Mr. Friedlund was living at and could be contacted at 180 E. 10^th Ave in Kettle Falls.  This is the residence of Frances Swan.  Mr. Friedlund was at that residence and after talking to the Deputies, was taken into custody on five counts of Animal Cruelty.

Law enforcement officers were invited into the residence to retrieve Mr. Friedlunds medication prior to taking him to jail. Upon entering the residence, Sgt Detective Jim Caruso was overwhelmed with the odor of feces, rotting food, and urine.   In a back bedroom, officers located Frances Swan.  Ms. Swan was 105 years old at that time.

As Sgt. Det. Jim Caruso entered the bedroom, Mrs. Swan’s first words were “Please feed me, I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”  She also said, “Don’t go.”  Medical response was called and took Ms. Swan to Mount Carmel Hospital. The house was incredibly cluttered, with trash, junk and debris piled so high that Emergency Medical personnel were unable to remove Mrs. Swan from the home on a gurney. She had to be carried out on a flexible stretcher.

On Monday June 20, a felony charge of Criminal Mistreatment in the Second Degree was filed against Mr. Friedlund. We have also filed aggravating circumstances which may result in greater punishment if Mr. Friedlund is convicted and the circumstances are also proved. He has posted a bond and is under a court order to stay away from the Swan residence.

In this case, the local people and agencies,  including Monte Jones of  Adult Protective Services of DSHS, Connie Jackson, the elder abuse coordinator for Rural Resources, Jim, Caruso and other Deputies  of the Stevens County Sheriffs Office and the Prosecutor’s office have worked together quickly and effectively to bring some relief to the victims, both animal and human. This investigation is ongoing and more will be learned about the circumstances of this situation.

It is important to remember that the filing of charges does not mean a person is guilty.  A person is innocent unless and until they are either found guilty or plead guilty.