An Oregon woman from Columbia County who obtained animals at no cost from out-of-state shelters and then offered them to paying customers in Oregon was yesterday sentenced to federal prison.
Woman Also Illegally Dispensed Animal Prescription Drugs
Samantha Miller (55), who operated an animal rescue business together with co-conspirators called ‘Woofin Palooza, LLC, was found guilty of defrauding customers and illegally dispensing prescription drugs for animals without the lawful order of a veterinarian. Miller operated her business using the alias Mandy Myers.
Miller was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years supervised release. She will also have to pay restitution to her victims.
Operation Described as ‘Unconscionable’ Conduct
The Chief of the Oregon Economic Crimes Unit, Hannah Horsley, warned that ‘unconscionable conduct will not be tolerated’ and perpetrators would be held responsible for their crimes.
Court documents reveal that between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators obtained animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost. They then offered the animals for adoption to paying customers in Oregon.…