EL PASO, Texas -- A Fort Bliss soldier accused of animal cruelty was arraigned in court on Friday.

Authorities found a dead pit bull inside the garage of Sgt. Dwayne Sumter's home in 2008.

The soldier was reportedly deployed to Iraq and allegedly left the dog locked up in a crate. The animal was able to chew its way out but died in a suitcase.

Sumter returned in April and turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office for questioning.

Sumter is due back in court on July 16.

Written for KVIA.com by Web Producer Annette Arrigucci