The former executive director of a Humane Society in Union County, Ohio, is facing a 42-count indictment, including charges for animal abuse.
Steffen Baldwin was accused of euthanizing pets without the consent of their owners. Baldwin allegedly raked in massive payments from pet owners after claiming he could train unruly or aggressive pets or find them a new home. He would then euthanize the pets and pocket the cash, according to police.
Baldwin was arrested in Florida roughly three years after fleeing Ohio when an investigation was called once he allegedly euthanized a pit bull without notifying the family. The family had paid Baldwin $1,000 to retrain the dog. Authorities said Baldwin killed at least 18 dogs. He was charged with cruelty to companion animals, grand theft, bribery, telecommunications fraud, tampering with evidence, and impersonating a peace officer.
“It takes a special person to devote your time and help a canine,” Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton told the Columbus Dispatch. “We thought that is what he was doing. But based on the allegations, shame on him for taking advantage of so many folks who wanted to see their canines live.”
Baldwin had assisted the Union County Sheriff’s Department with animal abuse investigations while serving as the executive director for the Humane Society. When he moved to California, he opened Save Them Dogs Training Ranch, where he is accused of implementing a similar scheme.
Baldwin was sent to Tri-County Regional Jail and is being held on a $200,000 bond.
