Headlines

Pet Rescue Director Accused of Embezzling $41K in Gainesville, FL

The rescue board says it has ‘coordinated with the IRS and law enforcement to report and to restore all stolen funds from our donations.’

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2021

PETS+ Staff

A former pet rescue director in Gainesville, FL, has been charged with embezzlement.

Cassie Marie Wheeler, who worked for Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue, is accused of felony theft and embezzlement as well as false entry into financial books, the Gainesville Sun reports.

Authorities say she embezzled more than $41,000 starting in November 2019, CBS 4 reports.

Wheeler started with the rescue in March 2015, initially working as a kennel hand. Eventually she was put in charge of operations for the organizations.

She reportedly admitted to the theft when questioned by Samantha Rivera, president of the rescue board, according to the Sun.

The board released a statement saying it had “taken the necessary steps and coordinated with the IRS and law enforcement to report and to restore all stolen funds from our donations,” WCJB-TV reports.

The board said it had terminated Wheeler’s employment.

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