Attorney General Hanaway Secures $104,000 in Restitution in St. Louis Pet Health Not-For-Profit Fraud Case
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Constance K. Kruse pled guilty to defrauding Missouri animal lovers by stealing charitable donations intended for pets in medical need and diverting those funds for personal expenses.
“Stealing from a charity that exists to comfort sick and vulnerable animals is a betrayal of public trust and of every donor who gave from the heart,” said General Hanaway. “My office will not tolerate charity fraud, and we will hold wrongdoers accountable. This case is one of many examples of the great work that our Consumer Protection Section does every single day.”
According to the investigation, while Kruse was president of Saving St. Louis Pets and actively soliciting funds for pets allegedly associated with this local charity, she used $104,482.02 of these donations for her own personal living expenses, including trips, makeup, designer sunglasses, and Louis Vuitton purses. Kruse continued exploiting the charity’s good name for her own gain even when the legitimate not-for-profit was dissolved in December 2023.
Kruse was indicted February 4, 2025, on the charge of Deceptive Business Practices after she utilized charitable donations for her own needs. She was arrested nearly a year later, in New Mexico. In January 2026, Kruse cooperated with extradition back to Missouri. On September 18, 2026, Kruse pled guilty to one count of Deceptive Business Practice for defrauding consumers and financially exploiting Saving St. Louis Pets.
Upon her guilty plea, Kruse was convicted and sentenced to four years’ incarceration. However, execution of the sentence is stayed, conditioned on five years of reporting supervision and full payment of $104,482.02 in restitution.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Mary Albert-Fritz and D. Scott Lucy.
Since Saving St. Louis Pets was administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State, the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, a St. Louis-based charity, was selected to receive the restitution and continue the fight for animals in medical need.
Consumers who believe a charity or business may have scammed them should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.
Just as the Consumer Protection Section exemplifies the Attorney General’s Office’s commitment to safeguarding Missourians, the office is proud to be home to some of the state’s most skilled consumer-protection attorneys and investigators. These dedicated professionals investigate and prosecute deceptive and fraudulent practices, working tirelessly to hold bad actors accountable and secure justice for victims. Attorneys interested in joining this tradition of excellence and public service are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.
The original indictment can be read here.
The booking photo for Kruse can be viewed here.
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