Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the sentencing of WATTIE FOLK, 55, for locking seven dogs inside of a Harlem apartment that he set on fire, killing two of the dogs and severely injuring five. FOLK was sentenced to 3-to-6 years in state prison, a 10-year animal ownership ban, and registration on the New York City Animal Cruelty Registry. On September 19, 2024, FOLK pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to one count of Arson in the Third Degree and one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. 

“Today, Wattie Folk is facing accountability for intentionally setting his friend’s apartment on fire. His reckless actions endangered tenants, destroyed property, killed two puppies, and severely injured five dogs,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who endanger the lives of people and animals in their homes will be held accountable.”

According to court documents, statements made on the record in court, and as admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, prior to setting the fire, FOLK was staying at his friend’s apartment in Harlem. On June 24, 2022, they got into an argument, which turned physical. His friend fled the apartment and called the police. 

At approximately 1:40 a.m., FOLK started a fire inside the bedroom of the apartment before fleeing, leaving one 3-year-old adult Pitbull and six 5 1/2-month-old puppies inside. 

When police officers responded, they met the friend in the lobby and followed her upstairs to ensure the defendant was no longer in the apartment. Once they reached the apartment, they saw smoke coming out from under the door, evacuated the building and called FDNY. 

Two puppies were killed in the fire and the additional five dogs required immediate medical attention, which included receiving oxygen in an ambulance as they were transported to the Animal Medical Center (“AMC”) in Manhattan. The five dogs were found severely dehydrated, coughing, and covered in soot. Each dog suffered from high levels of carbon monoxide exposure. 

At AMC, the five dogs received intensive medical care before being transferred to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“ASPCA”) Animal Hospital where they received treatment for weeks. The victim’s apartment and belongings were destroyed in the fire. 

Assistant D.A. Sophie Robart (Attorney-in-Charge of the Animal Cruelty Program) handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Elizabeth Clerkin and Phil Gary (Deputy Chiefs of Trial Bureau 30), Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Former Trial Preparation Assistant Aiden Connerty also provided valuable assistance in this case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department, particularly the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) and the 28th Precinct. He also thanked the Albert Crawford (Arson and Explosion Squad), the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Todd Velten (Fire Marshall), and the staff at both the AMC and ASPCA. 

Defendant Information: 

WATTIE FOLK 

Queens, N.Y. 

Convicted:

• Arson in the Third Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a class E felony, one count 

Sentenced:

• 3-6 years in state prison
• 10-year animal ownership ban
• Registration on the New York City Animal Cruelty Registry 

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