YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO – April Waidman, 41, has been ordered to pay over $90,000 in restitution to more than 80 victims defrauded in a years-long puppy-selling scam. Waidman pled guilty in February to 48 felony counts of Theft and 32 misdemeanor counts of Theft. She used social media to advertise puppies for sale, collected payments from buyers, and then failed to deliver the promised animals, often stealing hundreds or even thousands of dollars from each victim.
In addition to restitution, Waidman was sentenced to one year of house arrest and five years of community control. During that time, she is banned from engaging in the sale, advertisement, or breeding of animals or animal-related products. She will also serve 180 days in jail for the last 6 months of her probation. A 35-month prison sentence has been reserved if she violates any conditions of her community control.
Waidman must also undergo mental health and drug assessment, maintain employment, and participate in job training to ensure she can repay her victims. She is prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with them.
The Goshen Township Police Department spent countless hours investigating this matter and should be commended for their efforts in bringing this prosecution.
Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Hilles successfully prosecuted the case.