Theft Alleged By Shelter Worker

WEST OCEAN CITY -- A former Worcester County Humane Society employee this week was charged with theft after allegedly absconding with under $500 in funds from the agency over a five-month period starting earlier this year.

Over the course of the last five months, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives have conducted multiple investigations into the alleged activities of former Humane Society employee Meggin Lynn McKnight, 33, of West Ocean City. In February, for example, the Worcester County Humane Society reported an individual had been removing nominal amounts of money from a cash box in the office. WCBI detectives determined McKnight was allegedly responsible for the missing funds and she was charged with four counts of theft less than $100 and theft scheme under $1,000.

In a second alleged case, the Worcester County Humane Society held a fundraiser at the Crab Alley during which $230 in cash was raised along with various supplies for the shelter. According to a WCBI release, the money and supplies were turned over to McKnight, but only the supplies were given to the shelter. In a third alleged case, another fundraiser was held at Paws and Claws, during which $240 was raised along with the supplies for the shelter, but only the supplies were allegedly turned in by McKnight.