WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A man who helped steal exotic pets – a theft which led to the shooting death of his accomplice – was sentenced Tuesday to three years on probation.
Ashton Tody, 20, was previously convicted of theft of movable property for the Oct. 19, 2020 theft of pets from William Zelenski.
Ryelee Manete-Powell was his accomplice, police said. Zelenski is scheduled to stand trial June 19 for allegedly confronting and killing Manete-Powell for Manete-Powell’s role in the thefts.
Before the sentence was issued, Tody apologized. He said he never learned his lesson until he was sentenced to prison for an unrelated matter.
“I don’t want to live like this no more. I don’t want to do this no more. I just want to go home to my family,” Tody said.
Judge Vicki Clussman noted the ripple effect of Tody’s actions, but also said the sentence is for the thefts alone.
“I want to make it clear that you’re not to be punished for the homicide. That’s the responsibility of the people that committed that offense,” the judge said.
The judge imposed and stayed a three-year prison term, noting Tody’s wasn’t a violent offense. That means if he violates the probation conditions, Tody could be sent to prison. He was visibly relieved when Clussman said he wasn’t going to prison.
“I am going to give you a chance not to go to prison. Today. And I’m going to give you the opportunity to keep yourself out of prison. But in order to do that, you’re going to have to get some counseling, and you’re going to have to stay on the straight and narrow. So you’re going to have the rope which determines whether or not you go to prison,” the judge said.
Tody must also write a letter of apology to Zelenski’s wife. He also owes in $2,671 in restitution.
According to the criminal complaint, the Manente-Powell and Tody stole multiple animals, including a crocodile, bearded lizard, snakes, and other items.
Manante-Powell’s mother, Tiffany Powell, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the sequence of events leading up to the murder, including pointing a gun at her son while he and Zelenski faced off in a Waupaca street.
After the shooting, Zelenski called 911, saying Manente-Powell attacked him, and then Zelenski shot him.
