Attorney General Ford Brings Criminal Charges Against Defendants in Canine Theft Scheme


May 17, 2019

Las Vegas, NV - Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced that his office has filed criminal charges against Savanna Espinoza, 19, Johnny Espinoza, 37, and Jacklynn Espinoza, 36, all of Las Vegas. The 14-count felony and gross misdemeanor charges include conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary, theft with the assistance of a child, theft, cruelty to animals and ownership or possession of a firearm by prohibited person. The alleged canine theft scheme was committed between November 2016 and February 2018, and the Espinozas were arrested on Tuesday of this week.

    According to the complaint, the Espinozas would falsely represent themselves as the owners of lost dogs, or would obtain dogs from owners looking to rehome their pet by promising to provide the dog with a loving and permanent home. Instead, the Espinozas would sell the stolen canines for profit. The complaint further alleges that the Espinozas are also charged for the neglect of two dogs, with one suffering from untreated infections, malnourishment and inappropriate living conditions.

      "Several Nevadans have been misled and taken advantage of by the Espinozas' attempt to perpetrate fraud," said AG Ford. "My office will continue to dismantle local schemes and instances of fraud whenever possible."

        This case was investigated and is being prosecuted by the Attorney General's Criminal Prosecutions Division. A complaint is merely a charging document; every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

          If you or anyone you know has been victimized by the Espinozas' scheme, please contact our office at 702-486-3307. The criminal Complaint filed against the Espinozas is attached.

            2017-05-17 Johnny Espinoza 2019-05-17 Jacklynn Espinoza 2019-05-17 Savanna Espinoza
            Johnny Espinoza Jacklynn Espinoza Savanna Espinoza

             

              (Photographs courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

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