A Chandler woman who is facing animal cruelty charges from when authorities removed more than 50 dogs from her home last year is now accused of financial crimes.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced additional charges against April McLaughlin, who is also known as Sydney McKinley, on Monday.
McLaughlin ran Special Needs Animal Welfare League out of her house and represented the operation as a nonprofit to help special needs dogs.
“She falsely claimed that dogs in her care had access to treatments, veterinarians, therapies, and foster homes,” said Mitchell. “McLaughlin is accused of using her nonprofit, SNAWL, which stands for Special Needs Animal Welfare League, to solicit donations.”
Mitchell says she defrauded owners and rescue organizations to the tune of around $47,000 and if convicted, she’ll have to pay restitution on top of facing prison time.
“Police also learned that McLaughlin stole over $150,000 from her elderly mother's bank account and charged over $20,000 on her mother's credit card,” Mitchell added. “The funds were used for home expenses, flights, restaurants, and other needs or wants.”
Chandler Assistant Police Chief Dave Ramer described the crimes as horrific.
“We heard from neighbors,” said Ramer. “We heard from people that were directly impacted where they provided animals, and this was heart-wrenching for them.”
Ramer said it’s from them and the surrounding community that police were able to gather evidence that was ultimately key to further charging McLaughlin.
