Washington County Controller April Sloane has been sent back to jail after a judge revoked her bail amidst animal cruelty charges. Judge John DiSalle determined Sloane violated her release conditions by residing with a cat, an act deemed "harboring," despite her defense's claim that she neither owned nor cared for the animal. Her arrest follows an earlier charge involving the starvation death of her pet dog, found deceased last year, as reported by CBS News Pittsburgh
The cat incident that led to revoking Sloane's bail occurred while she stayed at her boyfriend's North Strabane apartment. She had moved into the apartment in June, and within weeks, authorities discovered the presence of the cat. First Assistant District Attorney Leslie Ridge said Sloane having access to the animal was a "flagrant violation." Sloane's mother stated, "I think she got what she deserved because she thinks she's above the law," Sherrie Sloane stated, as per CBS News Pittsburgh. “But as a mother, this is not something you ever want to see for your children."
Defense attorney Louis Emmi argued that Sloane did not directly care for or own the cat, positing her actions did not constitute harboring. Sloane herself explained in the hearing that she considered "harboring" to mean ownership and active care for an animal. Despite her and her boyfriend Philip Chappel's testimony detailing the ownership and care of the cat, Judge DiSalle remained firm on the bail conditions. Sloane's upcoming trial for the December alleged animal cruelty incident is set for September 10, and she has been transferred to the Allegheny County Jail, as detailed by Observer-Reporter.
In light of Sloane's absence, Deputy Controller Heather Shealter has assumed the office's helm, a move supported by Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, "Heather has been an outstanding employee of the Controller's Office for 21 years," Sherman stated, expressing his faith in her abilities. Meanwhile, Sloane's salary has been designated to be placed in escrow, aligning with the commissioner's stance that taxpayers shouldn’t "reward such actions with compensation." The hearing and its outcome have registered shock waves within the local government and among animal welfare advocates, as officials such as County Chief of Staff Daryl Price and Clerk of Court Ray Phillips observed the proceedings.
