In a sobering conclusion to a tragic case, a Howard County woman has pleaded guilty to one count of Reckless Endangerment after her dogs viciously attacked a 4-year-old girl in October 2024. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the local community, raised pressing questions about public safety and responsible pet ownership.
According to a statement from the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, Jewel Jevin Brooks entered her guilty plea on May 7, 2025. The plea comes several months after the terrifying attack that left the young child with significant injuries and trauma. The attack occurred at an apartment complex where Brooks resided at the time, and where the child had been playing before being mauled by Brooks’ dogs.
Following her guilty plea, Brooks was sentenced to five years in prison. However, the court chose to suspend all but 130 days of that sentence, which she has already served. Instead of serving additional time behind bars, Brooks will now face five years of supervised probation—a period during which she will be closely monitored by the legal system and expected to comply with a series of strict conditions.
Among the conditions imposed by the court are mandatory mental health evaluation and any subsequent counseling or treatment deemed necessary. This requirement underscores the court’s recognition that mental wellness and decision-making may have played a role in the events that transpired. Brooks must comply fully with all recommendations from her evaluators and therapists as part of her rehabilitation and probation process.
Additionally, the court ordered Brooks to stay away from the apartment complex where the attack occurred, a measure aimed at preventing any further trauma to the victim or the community. Perhaps even more critically, she is prohibited from having any contact whatsoever with the young victim or the victim’s family. This no-contact order aims to protect the emotional and psychological well-being of the child and her loved ones, who continue to deal with the aftermath of the attack.
In a decisive move to prevent a repeat of this tragedy, Brooks has also been barred from owning, keeping, or being in control of any dogs for the duration of her probation. This ruling reflects the gravity of the incident and acknowledges the potential risk of future harm if such a restriction were not imposed. To enforce this, Animal Control officers will conduct monthly inspections of Brooks’ residence to ensure compliance. These visits are intended to serve as both a deterrent and a safeguard for the community.
The sentencing brings a legal resolution to a heartbreaking event, though the physical and emotional scars borne by the victim and her family may take much longer to heal. Prosecutors have expressed hope that the outcome of the case sends a strong message about the responsibilities of pet owners and the consequences of negligence.
As the community reflects on this disturbing case, officials and residents alike are being reminded of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and accountability in preventing similar tragedies.