Brianna Makosky, 22, is charged with three felony counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer, each punishable by up to two years in prison and/or $2,000. Her bond was set at $4,000 cash/surety following her Feb. 4 arrest. She was released from the Delta County Jail on Feb. 11.

The charges stem from a Feb. 4 incident in Cornell. The MSP Gladstone Post began investigating an animal neglect complaint Feb. 3 and executed a search warrant the following afternoon at a County Road 426 property in Cornell Township.

Troopers found several deceased animals — including cats, rabbits, pigs and goats — and others in poor health. According to the Delta Animal Shelter, 13 cats, 12 rabbits and one sheep were seized.

MSP said Makosky resisted troopers, refused lawful orders and bit one trooper on the wrist. She continued to struggle and attempted to bite another trooper after being told she was under arrest.

A cornell woman, Brianna Makosky, was arrested on three counts of resisting, obstructing and assaulting a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper during an animal neglect investigation Feb. 4. She was released from the Delta County Jail on bond on Feb. 11. (Photo courtesy of the Delta County Jail)

According to Makosky’s criminal complaint, she allegedly “did assault, batter, wound, resist, obstruct, oppose, or endanger” three different officers.

Attorney Brandom Thomas Rickard appeared in the Delta County 94th District Court Thursday via Zoom to represent Makosky for what was originally scheduled to be a preliminary examination. Rickard appeared in place of Makosky’s attorney, Antonio Ruiz. Delta County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman was present in court.

Rickard told the court Makosky had been off her medication and was unable to effectively communicate with counsel, adding that “her memory is absent from the event due to blackout spells.”

“As the court well knows, there was a pending matter in the district court for a period of about four or five months, during which the defense attorney had no problem communicating with Ms. Makosky,” said Wickman. “Further, she has pending matters where she’s considered to be a guardian in probate court.”

According to Wickman, the matters in probate court in which she is considered a guardian were not related to her directly.

Judge Steve Parks acknowledged the motion was thin but said there is “great risk” in proceeding if a defendant is later found incompetent. He granted the request for a competency evaluation.

According to Michigan Court Rule, if Makosky is found incompetent to stand trial, the court must order her to undergo an examination by a certified or licensed examiner of the Center for Forensics Psychiatry or other facility officially certified by the department of mental health to perform examinations relating to one’s competency to stand trial.