US EditionAnimal group founder, 77, accused of attempted kidnapping in Lancaster of ex-employee
Leo Grillo allegedly conspired to kidnap a former employee awarded $6.7 million, using a cover story and paying $30,000 in an FBI sting, facing up to 20 years if convicted.
- On Tuesday, March 3, Leo Grillo, 77, of Acton was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping of a former employee, prosecutors say, while leading Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals Rescue.
- The rescue group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2025 and is appealing the judgment against it, while prosecutors say the plot was motivated by a civil lawsuit by the former employee .
- Using coded language about a `documentary`, Grillo allegedly discussed kidnapping plans and provided checks for $20,000 and $10,000 with a memo reading `Doc Invest` during a meeting in next month, according to court documents.
- On Tuesday, March 3, FBI agents arrested Leo Grillo and recovered two firearms, with charges carrying up to 20 years if convicted, prosecutors say.
- The allegations threaten the D.E.L.T.A. Rescue reputation as prosecutors say Grillo discussed removing a plaintiff to aid an appeal during its Chapter 11 proceedings.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The Seattle Times
union-bulletin.comHis animal rescue owed millions. Rather than pay, feds say he plotted to kidnap former worker
A former actor who founded a nonprofit animal rescue was charged with attempted kidnapping of a former employee who'd won a $6.7 million court case against him.
Actor, animal sanctuary founder accused of kidnapping plot over $6.7M judgment
The founder of a well-known Antelope Valley animal welfare organization has been arrested on federal charges accusing him of plotting to kidnap a former employee who won a multimillion-dollar wrongful termination judgment against him. Leo Grillo, 77, of Acton, was arrested Tuesday and charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted kidnapping, the U.S. Department [...]
Daily Bulletin
Animal group founder, 77, accused of attempted kidnapping in Lancaster of ex-employee
The founder of an animal-welfare organization near the Antelope Valley is accused in federal court of attempting to kidnap a former employee who won a nearly $6.7 million judgment against him, officials said. Leo Grillo, 77, of Acton was arrested Tuesday, March 3, and charged with attempted kidnapping, a felony carrying a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars if convicted. According to court papers, Grillo leads Dedication and Everlasting Love …
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