Adrian Baez Paulino, 27, of Nashua, was arrested on Sept. 17 in connection with alleged animal cruelty and criminal trespassing. Courtesy photo/Nashua Police Department

NASHUA – Adrian Baez Paulino, 27, of Nashua, was taken into custody on Sept. 17 in connection with alleged animal cruelty and criminal trespassing.

According to the Nashua Police Department, officers responded to a criminal trespass incident on Sept. 16. The complainant told them that Baez Paulino, whom he knew, went into his home without permission while he was at work.

The complainant said he later noticed that his dog had suffered three puncture wounds. Baez Paulino reportedly admitted to harming the animal.

The following day, video surveillance allegedly showed Baez Paulino returning to the complainant’s residence, again without permission.

Baez Paulino has been charged with cruelty to animals and two counts of criminal trespass.

He was held on preventive detention and was scheduled to be arraigned in Nashua District Court on Sept. 18.

Under state law, if convicted, he could face up to nine years in prison, up to five years of probation and up to $8,000 in fines.