Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell formally declared an indictment against an animal rescue operation head for carrying out multiple fraud charges. April McLaughlin is at the center of serious allegations involving fraudulent acts with her non-profit organization and exploiting her mother financially. This information was disclosed as Chandler authorities brought to light their findings from an extensive investigation, according to a release on the City of Chandler official website.
The Chandler Police Department relentlessly pushed forward to unravel a complex scheme where McLaughlin, alias Sydney McKinley, used deception to slowly but surely acquire animals from all ends of the country. "I’d like to thank the Chandler Police Department, the case agent, the detectives who worked tirelessly in this case, and the prosecutors in my office who worked diligently with our law enforcement partners in bringing these charges forward," County Attorney Rachel Mitchell told the City of Chandler, acknowledging the collective efforts in the probe.
Details exposed by the investigation point out that McLaughlin's SNAWL (Special Needs Animal Welfare League) was reportedly involved in misrepresenting services which she promised to the animals under her care. She's accused of lying about veterinary care, therapies, and foster homes availability. Detectives claim that McLaughin was able to deceptively solicit over $47,000 in cash and goods promising the animals' welfare, which was not the case.
Adding to the list of alleged wrongdoings, McLaughlin has also been indicted for deeply betraying her own mother, draining more than $160,000 from her bank account, and incurring over $20,000 in fraudulent credit card charges, further showcasing how McLaughlin seemed to lose sight of the line between her personal luxuries and her non-profit’s integrity. The embezzled funds were found to be spent on a variety of personal indulgences. This array of fraudulent activities handed McLaughlin several felony charges, ranging from aggravated identity theft to fraudulent schemes and artifices, as reported by the Chandler Police Department.
Currently, McLaughlin remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. Animals seized in the raid are a part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation with updates available through the Chandler City website. Moreover, the word has been put out for anyone with similar fraudulent experiences to step forward and contact Chandler Police or the Silent Hotline. While accusations are substantial, as in all legal scenarios, McLaughlin is to remain innocent until proven guilty.
