April McLaughlin is accused of animal cruelty, fraud, and theft. Authorities found special needs animals living in atrocious conditions at McLaughlin's Chandler, Arizona home in 2023. McLaughlin ran a rescue for special needs dogs before allegations of fraud and animal abuse surfaced in 2023. Authorities discovered 55 special needs dogs living in their own waste, as well as five dead dogs in a freezer. Investigators described the situation as a biohazard with 'unbreathable' conditions. Prosecutors say McLaughlin used her non-profit to receive nearly $50,000 in cash and supplies to deceive dog owners and rescue groups. She’s also accused of stealing $160,000 from her mother's bank account. In a plea deal McLaughlin pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices; Taking the Identity of Another Person; and Two counts of Intentionally Subjecting a Domestic Animal to Cruel Mistreatment. McLaughlin could be sentenced to anywhere from two years to 8.75 years in prison for the fraud charges, and will be placed on probation upon release. She could also be sentenced to 1.5 to 2.5 years in prison for the animal cruelty charges.