MELROSE, Fla. – The owner of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, who is facing several fraud charges, told News4JAX that she believes the charges stem from misfiled paperwork.
Edna Elaine West, 61, was arrested Friday by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a warrant from the Department of Agriculture.
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The owner of the Melrose sanctuary is charged with fraud, embezzlement and making a false statement concerning funds for Rooterville Animal Sanctuary.
West explained to News4JAX that she thought she had tax-exempt status in 2021, but she was unaware that the paperwork wasn’t filed.
“I am a person of integrity. I don’t steal. I don’t lie. I certainly don’t embezzle, and I’ve never committed fraud,” West said.
West said she’s waiting to hear from her public defender to determine her next steps. She’s currently out on bond.
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary received the PositivelyJAX award in February.