WARRICK CO. – Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in December 2023 after receiving information regarding alleged misappropriated funds from Warrick County Animal Control.
On December 13, 2023, Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at Danielle A. Barnes’ residence in Chandler.
Barnes, 55, is the former supervisor at Warrick County Animal Control. Due to items located and seized during the search, Barnes was arrested on charges of theft, a Level 6 felony, and possession of a legend drug, a Level 6 felony. Barnes’ was released after posting bond.
Indiana State Police Detectives continued their investigation and revealed additional discrepancies, resulting in criminal charges against Susan Broshears, 50, of Boonville, and additional charges for Barnes. Broshears is a former employee of Warrick County Animal Control.
During the Spring of 2023, a nearby humane society offered a low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic to local animal shelters. Barnes and Broshears allowed individuals to schedule appointments through Warrick County Animal Control as quickly as weeks rather than waiting the average of three to four months other county residents were experiencing.
Barnes and Broshears allegedly instructed the Warrick County Animal Control staff to add a $10 transport fee to the surgery cost. Instead of paying Warrick County Animal Control, animal owners made cash, checks, and credit card payments to Warrick Animal Guardian (WAG), a non-profit organization operated by Barnes.
Barnes’ was also allegedly transferring purebred dogs from the Warrick County Animal Shelter to her non-profit organization and selling them.
According to Warrick County Animal Control records, over 1,000 animals had come in and out of their facility between 2022 and 2023. When detectives examined adoption fee records, they discovered only a handful of fees paid to Warrick County Animal Control. Most adoption fees were never deposited into their bank account.
Perry County Prosecutor Samantha Hurst is the special prosecutor in this case. After reviewing the latest findings, the prosecutor filed charges against Barnes and Broshears.
Broshears was arrested Friday afternoon without incident on charges of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony, officials misconduct, and ghost employment, both Level 6 felonies, and theft, and a Class A misdemeanor; she was taken to the Warrick County Jail, where she posted bond and was released. Since
Barnes was arrested in December 2023; she will receive a subpoena informing her of the additional charges filed against her. Barnes will appear in court later on charges of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony, officials misconduct, conspiracy to commit theft, and ghost employment, both Level 6 felonies and theft, a Class A misdemeanor. As of today, Barnes is still employed by Warrick County.
This is still an ongoing investigation, and an additional arrest is expected.
