10/14/2023
Grrr ta ta bad girl. Off to jail you go 😊
Media Release
Update # 2 – Sentencing Information – Former Director of Humane Society of the Nature Coast Sentenced to Prison – 2022-02131
Date: October 13, 2023
Update #2
On 10-12-2023, Susana Arneson DOB/10-21-1983, appeared in Circuit Court before Judge Daniel Merritt Jr. for sentencing on charges of Money Laundering – Financial Transactions $100,000 or more and Organized Fraud – $50,000 or more.
Judge Merritt Jr. ultimately sentenced Arneson to 90 months with the Florida Department of Corrections with 611 days of credit for time served. Arneson has remained incarcerated at the Hernando County Detention Center since her arrest on 02-09-2022. The amount of restitution is pending.
The case involving Arneson’s husband, Douglas O’Berry DOB/09-27-1983, remains open.
Update #1
In a waiver of rights and plea agreement filed on Aug. 15, 2023, Susana Arneson DOB/10-21-1983, pled nolo contendere to charges of Money Laundering – Financial Transactions $100,000 or more and Organized Fraud – $50,000 or more.
Arneson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 12, 2023.
Original information
Representatives at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast discovered an employee, Susana Arneson DOB/10-21-1983, had intercepted nearly $1.55 million in donations meant for the shelter and redirected those funds into various banking accounts she had access to. This occurred between the dates of 01-31-2020 and 02-09-2022.
Arneson served as a Director, and later a volunteer at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast during this time.
Investigation revealed the Arneson and her husband, Douglas O’Berry DOB/09-27-1983, used the stolen funds to purchase various assets to include two residential properties, items for two businesses, two boats and trailers, two trucks, a Jeep Wrangler, a custom golf cart, a horse, along with multiple other items within the home and garage of their residence.
Arneson and O’Berry were originally arrested on 02-09-2022 on charges of Money Laundering, Organized Fraud, and Grand Theft.
Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips
If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!
Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .
You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!