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The case of a hot skunk in South Salt Lake is over.
Defense attorney Susanne Gustin said, "It's justice for Sammy the skunk today, as well as Ryan Turner."
It all started last August when Turner called the city about a skunk problem. City officials said Turner was given the option of renting a trap to catch the skunk, but when he learned it would cost $50 dollars, he changed his mind.
Instead, city crews brought out a trap and placed it on South Salt Lake property. The skunk was caught, but when the temperature went up to over 100 degrees, Turner moved the trap to his driveway under a rose bush so the skunk would be in the shade.
South Salt Lake thought he was trying to take the trap and charged him with wrongful appropriation.
But during a 90-minute court case today, the prosecutor had a change of heart. South Salt Lake Prosecutor Paul Roberts said, "It seemed like, from his testimony, I find him very credible, felt like dismissal was the appropriate way to go."
Turner said he was glad it was over but didn't think he was a changed man. He said, "If I see a trap, if I see an animal in distress, I'll do the same thing. I will. I'll try to do it through the correct channels."
Before the case was dismissed, Turner faced a fine and jail time.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
