Woman accused of stealing money meant for animal rescue

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A local woman volunteering as a foster for an animal rescue is accused of pocketing money meant for the nonprofit organization.

Police say Jenessa Tolejko had two litters of puppies, but when she got them all adopted police say she kept thousands of dollars instead of turning it over.

"She made herself very involved. She came to meetings, she helped run applications, she volunteered for multiple litters," Brook Duffy, from Cross Your Paws rescue, said.

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The rescue is only 2 years old, but in that time it has found homes for nearly 800 dogs. The nonprofit relies heavily on donations and foster volunteers to operate.

"Without the fosters, we wouldn't be able to save the lives that we have," Duffy said.

Investigators said Tolejko was one of those volunteers. She allegedly forged checks and pocketed more than $3,200 from puppies she fostered.

When Channel 11's Melanie Marsalko went to Tolejko's home, she said she didn't know anything about the case. Her attorney told Channel 11 that this is a misunderstanding and there was no criminal conduct.

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