Kitten’s Abuse Probe Leads To Rape, Robbery, Other Charges Against Man From Region

What began as an animal cruelty investigation ended with nearly a dozen criminal charges, including seven felonies, against a man from the region.

Preston Wido
Photo Credit: *Albany County District Attorney's Office*

Michael Mashburn

10/24/2023 5:30 p.m.

Albany County resident Preston Wido, age 36, of Latham, was indicted on rape, robbery, and nine other charges in Albany County Court on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Wido was initially arrested by Troy Police in April 2023 after a domestic violence investigation found that he seriously injured a 2-month-old kitten at a home in Lansingburgh, according to police.

The cat’s owner brought the animal to a veterinarian, where it was determined it had suffered a concussion, dislocated jaw, fractured pelvis, and part of his right ear had been cut.

The animal survived and is recovering at home with its owner.

On Tuesday, Wido pleaded not guilty to the following charges:

First-degree rape (felony)
Three counts of strangulation (felony)
First-degree robbery (felony)
Two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing (misdemeanor)
Two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (felony)
Two counts of criminal mischief (misdemeanor)

Following his arraignment, he was taken to the Rensselaer County jail and held on $75,000 bail.

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