Trainer Took $20K, Never Gave Service Dog: Galloway Police

GALLOWAY, NJ — A West Virginia woman was charged with theft by deception after a person spent about $20,000 over two years for a service dog she never received, Galloway police said.

The victim contacted Galloway police on June 18, 2024, to say that she had paid “Causey Labradors and Training, LLC” the money over a two-year span and despite mailing full payments and keeping in contact with the business, never received the service dog, according to police.

Galloway police launched an investigation and identified Catherine Causey, 52, of Kearneysville, West Virginia as the suspect, according to a news release.

Causey was charged with theft by deception and money laundering on Aug. 20. She was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a future court date, police said.

Galloway police encourage all residents to report any incidents of fraud or deception. Use caution when making online purchases, and be sure to document all of your financial transactions. If you feel you may have been a victim of a financial scam, contact the Galloway Township Police Department at 609-652-3705. You can also find information on how to avoid a scam at: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam