Man Wanted For Animal Cruelty

ROCHESTER, NH — Rochester police are looking for assistance in locating a wanted person. Michael Jouvelakas, 30, of Rochester, is wanted on two counts of cruelty to animals (both class A Misdemeanor offenses), stemming from an incident and investigation that began on Oct. 3, 2019. On that date, Police received a call advising them there was a deceased dog in the basement of Jouvelakas’ residence.

Police were advised that Jouvelakas had just left the residence and the caller thought the dog was shot and that Jouvelakas was still armed.

Police located Jouvelakas nearby and were able to speak with him about the dog while other officers responded to the residence. At the residence, police located the dog wrapped in a blanket inside a trash bag in the bed of a pickup truck. At that point the dog’s cause of death was not obvious, but it did show signs of malnourishment, and more investigation was needed. Jouvelakas was taken into custody for driving after revocation/suspension.

During the investigation, police learned the dog, Mandy, a 2-year-old pit bull-type dog, was not shot, however appeared to have died due to issues related to starvation.

Police are asking that anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Jouvelakas or have information pertaining to this case contact them at 603-330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.