Animal Rescue Operator indicted on…

Sept. 30, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz - Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced an indictment of April McLaughlin on multiple fraud charges related to her animal rescue operation and financial exploitation of her mother.

"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," said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

In September 2023, Chandler Police seized multiple dogs from the home of Sydney McKinley AKA April McLaughlin, as part of an ongoing investigation into her fraudulent activities. McLaughlin, who operated the rescue organization SNAWL (Special Needs Animal Welfare League), is accused of deceiving dog owners and rescue groups nationwide to acquire animals requiring specialized care. She allegedly misrepresented the availability of veterinary services, therapies, and foster homes for the dogs under her care.

The investigation revealed that McLaughlin used her non-profit to solicit over $47,000 in cash and supplies under false pretenses. Detectives also uncovered that she had stolen more than $160,000 from her elderly mother's bank account and racked up over $20,000 in charges on her mother's credit card. These funds were reportedly used for personal expenses, including home costs, flights, and dining.

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 remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue. Visit chandleraz.gov/animals for updates on the animal cruelty investigation.

In all cases, suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Any persons wishing to self-report similar fraudulent activity are urged to contact the Chandler Police Department or call the Silent Hotline at (480) 782-4440.