Warrick County – 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 located 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 for 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 being filed 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 were allowing individuals to schedule appointments through Warrick County Animal Control as quickly as weeks rather than waiting the average of three-four months other county residents were experiencing. The Warrick County Animal Control staff was allegedly instructed by Barnes and Broshears to add a $10 transport fee to the surgery cost. Instead of making payment to Warrick County Animal Control, animal owners made payments in the form of cash, checks, and credit cards to Warrick Animal Guardian (WAG), which is 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 records from Warrick County Animal Control, over 1,000 animals had come in and out of their facility during 2022 and 2023. When detectives examined adoption fee records, they discovered only a handful of fees being 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 is this case.  After reviewing the latest findings, the prosecutor’s office filed charges on Barnes and Broshears. Broshears was arrested Friday afternoon without incident. She was taken to the Warrick County Jail where she posted bond and was released. Since Barnes was arrested in December 2023 on Theft and Possession of a Legend Drug charges, she will receive a subpoena informing her of the additional charges being filed against her. Barnes will appear in court on a later date. As of today, Barnes is still employed by Warrick County.

This is still an ongoing investigation and an additional arrest is expected.

Arrested and Charges:

• Danielle A. Barnes, 55, Chandler, IN

1. Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony

2. Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony

3. Ghost Employment, Level 6 Felony

4. Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Level 6 Felony

5. Theft, Class A Misdemeanor

• Susan M. Broshears, 50, Boonville, IN

1. Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony

2. Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony

3. Ghost Employment, Level 6 Felony

4. Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Level 6 Felony

5. Theft, Class A Misdemeanor 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.