Elliot Hess

IRON MOUNTAIN — An Iron Mountain man accused of taking a truck and killing a dog in August has pleaded not guilty in Dickinson County Circuit Court.

Elliot Hess, 28, is charged with the unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and killing or torturing an animal-third degree, a four-year felony.

Hess waived arraignment and was not required to appear in court in person. The pleas were entered on his behalf Nov. 5 by Dickinson County Circuit Judge Mary Barglind.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Nov 18. Hess is free on a $7,500 cash or surety bond.

According to the criminal complaint, Hess argued with a woman Aug. 9. He reportedly killed the woman’s dog the following morning.

Hess also took a vehicle owned by another individual without their permission the night of the argument, the complaint stated.

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.