Chandler Dog Hoarder Charged With Fraud

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April McLaughlin [Photo courtesy Maricopa County Sheriff's Office]

An accused animal hoarder, April McLaughlin, has been indicted in Maricopa County on various fraud charges related to the animal abuse case for which she was arrested earlier this year.

Chandler Police began a fraud investigation into McLaughlin and her rescue organization after she was arrested when police discovered dozens of abused dogs and five dead puppies found in her freezer.

Police allege that McLaughlin deceived multiple dog owners and rescue organizations from across the country to obtain dogs that needed specialized care. She falsely claimed that dogs in her care had access to veterinarians, treatments, therapies, and foster homes.

McLaughlin is accused of using her non-profit SNAWL (Special Needs Animal Welfare League) to solicit donations, receiving more than $47,000 in cash and supplies.

Police also learned that McLaughlin stole over $160,000 from her elderly mother’s bank account and charged over $20,000 on her mother’s credit card. The funds were used for home expenses, flights, restaurants, and other costs.

McLaughlin is now indicted on the following charges:

One count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class Two Felony
Two counts of Theft, a Class Two Felony
One count of Aggravated Taking the Identity of Another, a Class Three Felony
One count of Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, Willful Concealment, a Class Five Felony
One count of Theft from a Vulnerable Adult, a Class Two Felony
One count of Theft (Unlawful Use of a Power of Attorney), a Class Two Felony
One count of Theft of Credit Card or Obtaining a Credit Card by Fraudulent Means, a Class Five Felony.

McLaughlin is currently being held in jail.

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