File Photo: A dog is loved up during story time at the Carson City Library.
The Pet Network Humane Society in Incline Village has fired an employee after an audit found more than $2.5 million missing due to fraudulent bookkeeping.
Editor’s note: The same day we did a semi-dive into multiple fraud and criminal cases currently moving through the justice system, South Tahoe Now broke the news about the Pet Network Lake Tahoe. See that story below:
The non-profit, which focuses on pet adoptions, compassionate care and feeding pets in need, said it is financially viable and solvent.
There is an open investigation currently with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Since it is an open case, they cannot make a comment at this time.
A statement from the group:
The Board of Directors of Pet Network Humane Society in Incline Village, Nevada, met earlier this week in an emergency session to address and take further action on newly discovered information related to apparent fraudulent bookkeeping and missing funds.
Initial discovery of the suspected fraud was triggered by an IRS status discrepancy. Once made ware of the unexpected IRS change, the board and executive director quickly began investigating other suspicious activities.
As a result of these efforts, the board and executive director uncovered what they believe to be substantial fraud, including falsification of financial records, accounting irregularities, and potential missing funds in excess of $2.5 million over a period of several years.
The board confirmed it has isolated the apparent fraud to one employee, who has since been terminated and appears to have acted alone.
The board also announced that, during its emergency session, it declined an offer by Executive Director Simi Balter to resign if doing so would be in the best interests of the organization. The board believes, based on facts currently available, that Ms. Balter had no prior knowledge of, nor any association with, the suspected illegal activity. The board expressed its full, unconditional support for Ms. Balter, who is essential to Pet Network’s future growth and success.
The board noted it is taking immediate legal action, both civilly and criminally, to begin recovery of the missing funds. Additionally, the board authorized imposing stringent new protocols and an independent third-party review to shield the organization from any further losses.
Despite the deception and betrayal, Pet Network remains financially viable and fully operational. Pet Network continues its mission as a premier animal welfare organization and veterinary practice, dedicated to enabling pets and people to connect and thrive through compassionate care.
This story was published by our sister publication South Tahoe Now. Visit them for more local news coverage of the Lake Tahoe region.
