Scott R. Casterline, 51, “falsely reported” the death of dog and sold it to a family in Ohio, according to police
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Yorkshire terrier lying on the floor and looking at camera
A New York animal control officer was arrested and charged last week for selling a family’s Yorkshire terrier after claiming it had died, according to police.
Scott R. Casterline, 51, of Church Creek Road, Lindley, was arrested on Thursday “following an investigation of an alleged deceased dog,” per a press release from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
“It is alleged that Mr. Casterline, acting as a public servant, took another’s property, a dog, sold that property and falsely reported the death of that dog. Investigators traced the sale to a location in Ohio, located the missing dog, retrieved and returned the dog to the rightful owner,” per the release.
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Yorkshire terrier playing with a ball on the grass
“Mr. Casterline was charged with Official Misconduct, Misapplication of Property and False Written Statement,” the release concluded. “Mr. Casterline was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Lindley Town Court at a later date.”
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After being found outside and taken to the Chemung County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Casterline encountered Hope, the 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard told WENY-TV.
Phone investigation techniques were employed to determine the dog’s location, police said, per the outlet.
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“The dog was returned safe and secure,” Allard told WENY-TV.
According to WENY-TV, officials said Casterline was a contractor as a dog officer with the city but voluntarily terminated his contract several months ago.
Related: Pet Owner Who Abandoned Dog at Airport to Travel to ‘Resort Destination’ Is Charged, Police Say
“We are finally able to share the news with all of you that our beloved dog, Hope, who was presumed dead 5 months ago is actually alive and back home!!,” owner Jeannine Staller wrote in a Facebook post.
“Charges were filed today against Mr Scott Casterline for his wrongdoings as well as the Sheriff has put out a press release regarding these charges,” she added in her post. “We want to thank this whole community for their support and continued determination in seeking justice for Hope and for the Sheriff’s Dept in finding the truth and bringing our Hope back home to us alive!!”
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