2 Charged In Dog Sex Abuse Case Released From Custody; Charges Are Not 'Detainable Offenses': Prosecutors

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A Huntley couple charged in a dog sex abuse case have been released from custody since charges filed against them are not "detainable offenses" in Illinois, prosecutors said.

"Despite the abhorrent nature of these crimes, under the Pretrial Fairness Act, commonly known as the SAFE-T Act, the offense of Sexual Conduct with an Animal is not a detainable offense, and therefore, individuals charged must be released from custody pending trial," McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese said in a news release over the weekend.

Efin Nolte, 23, has been charged with sexual conduct with an animal, and Katelyn Heiden, 27, has been charged with aiding sexual conduct with an animal. Nolte is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a dog while Heiden videotaped the act at their home in Huntley, according to prosecutors.

• Huntley Man, Woman Arrested For Sexual Conduct With A Dog: Police

Police first launched an investigation into the couple after receiving a report of a video of a man engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a dog in July. Upon receiving the information, police began looking into the accusations and later confirmed the video was created in Huntley, leading to the identification of Nolte and Heiden as suspects.

On Friday, Huntley police executed a search warrant for electronic devices belonging to the pair, authorities said. An analysis and examination were later conducted on the seized devices, police said; however, authorities did not initially specify what was found.

The couple was arrested on Friday. During their initial court appearances, evidence presented showed that the Huntley Police Department obtained a video depicting Nolte engaged in sexual conduct with a dog, according to the state's attorney's office.

Nolte and Heiden are next expected in court on December 12.

The state’s attorney’s office is continuing to work with the Huntley Police Department in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling the Huntley Police TIP Line at 847-515-5333.