Latest news with #ErieHumaneSociety
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Nicole Leone, former executive director Erie Humane Society, has September trial date
As the Erie Humane Society welcomes its new executive director, its former leader is tentatively scheduled to stand trial in September on charges that she stole more than $32,000 from the organization in 2023 and 2024. The Humane Society's former executive director, Nicole M. Leone, 42, was charged by the Millcreek Township Police Department in December with access device fraud, theft by deception and tampering with records. Two of those charges are third-degree felonies, while tampering with records is a misdemeanor. Leone, who served in the Humane Society's top post for more than nine years, waived a formal arraignment in February. She remains free on bond. The case is set for trial in Erie County Common Pleas Court in September, but Leone's lawyer, Chad Vilushis, said he is reviewing evidence in the pretrial process known as discovery as he and Leone decide what to do next. "We continue to examine the discovery that has been sent to us by the District Attorney's Office," Vilushis said. "Once that process is complete, we can then thoroughly discuss a potential resolution." The trial has been rescheduled twice. Leone resigned from the Humane Society in November. The organization on Aug. 1 named Joe Lang, a former Erie broadcaster and media executive, as its executive director. Two longtime Humane Society employees served as interim co-executive directors following Leone's departure. Why was Leone charged? Police claim Leone used two Erie Humane Society credit cards to make 139 unauthorized charges that totaled $23,582.27 between June 22, 2023, and Nov. 12, 2024. The amount Leone is accused of stealing was amended at a January hearing to $32,445.69. In the affidavit of probable cause, Millcreek Detective Adam Hardner said the Humane Society asked to meet with him shortly after her departure in November. Hardner said the organization's internal investigation suggested that Leone had been using the organization's credit cards for her own use, making regular purchases for a variety of items, including clothing, sunglasses, household items and hotel stays. The Millcreek detective said that Leone entered the purchases on a spread sheet and coded them so they would appear as regular business expenses. A $2,029.48 purchase from a local bicycle shop also caught the attention of the Humane Society. Hardner said, "The purchase was supposed to be for one bicycle to be raffled off as part of a Humane Society fundraiser." When the Humane Society treasurer went to the bicycle shop, she found that two bicycles had been purchased, including one purchased for the raffle. The other bicycle, purchased for $1,346.18, matched a bicycle shown on Leone's personal social media account. Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@ Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Former Erie Humane Society executive director faces trial on 3 charges Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
State police conducting DUI checkpoints Memorial Day weekend
(WJET/WFXP)– The unofficial start to summer in Memorial Day weekend is nearly here and Pennsylvania State Police are reminding drivers to stay sober behind the wheel. Troopers from PSP Erie will be out all of Memorial Day weekend, conducting DUI checkpoints with roving patrols throughout the county. Erie Humane Society Animal Cruelty investigating three abandoned animal cases Police are reminding anyone planning on drinking to designate a sober driver, which includes prescription and illegal drugs, as they continue to see drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence. During last year's checkpoint, troopers from PSP Erie arrested five people for DUI, issued 26 traffic citations to go with 46 verbal/written warnings and one drug arrest. Part of Pittsburgh Ave. to close again for repairs Pennsylvania-wide, there were 756 crashes, 46 of which were DUI-related, that killed six people and injured another 181 on Memorial Day weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Erie Humane Society Animal Cruelty investigating three abandoned animal cases
(WJET/WFXP)– The Erie Humane Society's Animal Cruelty Division is asking the public for their help in solving three cases where animals were abandoned around Erie County. Two kittens, a beagle mix and four pit bull puppies were all found abandoned at three different spots around Erie County between April 25 and May 13 and are now being held at the Erie Humane Society. Erie DMV hosting REAL ID event with deadline now passed The kittens were found inside a small box outside the Country Fair in the 2600 block of West 26th Street in Millcreek Township on April 25, around 7:30 a.m. The beagle mix was found around 8 p.m. on May 8 along Macedonia Road between Young Road and Route 474 in the Wattsburg area. The Humane Society said a grey Chevrolet pickup truck was seen driving away from the dog into a field as the dog chased after them. Erie Women's Care Center hosts annual Baby Bottle Campaign Finally, the four pitbull puppies were found in Pebble Lake Park along Washington Ave. in the City of Erie around 3 p.m. with a man and woman reportedly seen near them before leaving. Anyone with information on any of these animals is asked to call Humane Officer Lisa Stiles at (814) 881-0220. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Splash Lagoon to host special Mother's Day weekend event
(WJET/WFXP) – A local water park is showing their appreciation for women in the community. On Saturday, May 10, Splash Lagoon will host a special Mother's Day event to celebrate the important women in our lives. Erie Philharmonic presents new Beatles themed multimedia show The event will feature a VIP ice cream social, princess dance party and moms will receive free admission into the park on Mother's Day. General manager Ryan Cherry spoke about why the park is hosting the event. Shelter animals strut their stuff at Erie Humane Society's fourth annual Mutt Gala 'It's our way of showing appreciation for all the amazing moms who bring joy to their families. We look forward to hosting this fun-filled day and making it an unforgettable experience for everyone,' said Cherry. Some events will require special tickets that need to be purchased in advance. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shelter animals strut their stuff at Erie Humane Society's fourth annual Mutt Gala
The fourth annual Mutt Gala made a return to the Bayfront Convention Center Saturday evening. The event was hosted by the Erie Humane Society. Autism Society of NWPA hosts 24th annual Walk for Autism The theme of this year's gala is a 'Diamond in the Ruff,' with ten dogs strutting down the aisle in tuxedos and dresses accompanied by staff members. The gala is the premier fundraiser for the Humane Society and allows people to support the shelter, as well as enjoy dinner and a dog fashion show. Polish Falcons of America's 85th annual bowling tournament makes return to Erie 'I really think it's a good way for people to come out, socialize and also support the shelter. It's a great way, maybe some people aren't looking to adopt, and this is a way that they can help the shelter by buying a ticket and enjoying the evening,' said Brian Carroll, director of community relations at the Erie Humane Society. The dogs from Saturday's show are available for adoption. Proceeds from the gala go towards everyday care of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming the pets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
