Kings SPCA to reopen months after firing shelter manager for alleged embezzlement

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Last spring, Kings SPCA fired then-shelter manager Darlene Laboc, after learning of financial discrepancies.

Kings County detectives reviewed receipts and bank records and arrested Laboc for allegedly using the organization's debit card for more than $3,700 in unauthorized purchases.

Kings County District Attorney Keith Fagundes says his office has submitted a complaint to the court for filing.

Laboc's next court date is scheduled for February.

"We've been operating," said SPCA Board President Kari Martin-Higgins. "We closed to the public to go through our books to make sure everything is on the up and up and everything is accounted for, and now we're ready to reopen and start helping the animals of Kings County."

Martin-Higgins says they have new policies in place to make sure no one steals from the organization again.

She says they're available to answer any questions the public may have about what happened.

Right now, Kings SPCA has 22 dogs and 20 cats on site.

They're a no-kill shelter, and work closely with other rescues and Kings County Animal Services.

"Once they come here, they're safe," Martin-Higgins said. "We just try and find them a home and in the meantime, we love them."

Saturday's grand reopening is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be raffles, refreshments, and of course, an opportunity to meet the animals.