The Chandler Police Department has announced the arrest of Sydney McKinley or April McLaughlin. CPD says it also seized multiple dogs from the home of McKinley as a part of an ongoing investigation into her alleged fraudulent activities.

Authorities say McLaughlin operated a rescue operation, Special Needs Animal Welfare League. She is accused of deceiving dog owners and rescue groups nationwide to obtain animals requiring specialized care.

Then, she allegedly lied about the availability of vet services, therapies, and foster homes for the dogs she was caring for. CPD says the investigation determined that McLaughlin used the non-profit to solicit more than $47,000 in cash and supplied under false pretenses.

She is also accused of stealing more than $160,000 from her elderly mother’s bank account and accumulating $20,000 in charges on her mother’s credit card. CPD alleges that the funds were used for personal expenses, including home costs and dining.

McLaughlin is facing the following charges.

• Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices
• Two counts of Theft
• Aggravated Taking the Identity of Another
• Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, Willful Concealment
• Theft from a Vulnerable Adult
• Theft (Unlawful Use of a Power of Attorney)
• Theft of Credit Card or Obtaining a Credit Card by Fraudulent Means

McLaughlin is being held in custody.