No Charges To Be Filed In Humane Society Investigation

humanesocietyofswm-4
humanesocietyofswm-4

The Berrien County Prosecutor’s office has completed its review of a sheriff’s department investigation into allegations of “irregularities” at the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, and says there will be no criminal charges in the matter. Berrien County Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli says Humane Society board members had claimed property was missing from the shelter in Royalton Township when they went in after the resignation of former Director Jill Svoboda and her staff in February. However, Pierangeli says in a statement the “investigation found the computer equipment believed to be stolen was located at the Humane Society. In addition, the investigation did not show any criminal activity with the use of computer systems. There were no allegations and no evidence found that any monetary accounts used by the Human Society had been inappropriately used. Therefore, no additional actions will be taken by the Prosecutor’s Office at this time.”

Pierangeli’s full statement is below:

“The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office has received and reviewed reports from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department regarding the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.  Allegations included stolen property and inappropriate use of computer systems.  Based on the reports and evidence obtained from the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office will not be authorizing any charges.  The investigation found the computer equipment believed to be stolen was located at the Humane Society.  In addition, the investigation did not show any criminal activity with the use of computer systems.  There were no allegations and no evidence found that any monetary accounts used by the Human Society had been inappropriately used.  Therefore, no additional actions will be taken by the Prosecutor’s Office at this time.”