Hernando Co, FL – Susana Arneson, the former director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, has been sentenced to 90 months in prison for charges of Money Laundering involving transactions of $100,000 or more, and Organized Fraud amounting to $50,000 or more. The sentencing was handed down by Circuit Court Judge Daniel Merritt Jr. on October 12, 2023.
Arneson had been held at the Hernando County Detention Center since her arrest on February 9, 2022. She received 611 days of credit for time served. The matter of restitution is still pending.
In the original investigation, it was discovered that Arneson had diverted nearly $1.55 million in donations meant for the Humane Society into various bank accounts to which she had access. The misappropriation of funds occurred between January 31, 2020, and February 9, 2022.
“Arneson and her husband, Douglas O’Berry, used the stolen funds to purchase various assets to include two residential properties, items for two businesses, two boats and trailers, two trucks, a Jeep Wrangler, a custom golf cart, a horse, along with multiple other items,” according to the initial information.
Arneson initially pled nolo contendere as part of a waiver of rights and plea agreement filed on August 15, 2023. Her sentencing brings a close to her part of a case that has left a significant impact on the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, both financially and reputationally.
Meanwhile, the case involving her husband, Douglas O’Berry, remains open and under investigation.
The proceedings are expected to shed more light on the breadth and depth of the fraudulent activities that have affected the animal welfare organization.