MERIDEN – The director of the Meriden Humane Society was charged with forgery on Wednesday.
Police said that at around 3 p.m., Marlena DiBianco turned herself into police on an active warrant for her arrest.
Police said that in April of 2015 there were a number of broad-based allegations of misconduct brought to their attention that led them to investigate her.
Police said the warrant stemmed from the forging of a rabies certificate in which a non-vaccinated animal was adopted out to a member of the public, leading the person who adopted the animal to believe that it had been vaccinated.
DiBianco was charged with second-degree forgery and released on a Written Promise to Appear in court on Tuesday, September 20.
The Meriden Humane Society issued a statement on Wednesday night:
We would like to address the allegations brought up against Marlena DiBianco; Director of the Meriden Humane Society.
Around 2pm today, Marlena received a call from Detective Femia of the Meriden Police Department – informing Marlena of the warrant out for her arrest; giving her until 3p to turn herself in. Marlena complied; showing up at Meriden Police Department in time for the 3p deadline.
As far as we can tell based solely on media reports; this is a singular case, a single animal. Our director and her board are still awaiting an opportunity to review the warrant. In fact, the allegations hit media outlets and social media before Marlena had left the police station where she was released on a non surety bond.
The Animal in question has not been identified for the Humane Society to validate the claims.
We are dedicated to these animals and do everything within our power to ensure they receive all the medical care that they are not only legally required but the care they deserve. We would never put the lives of these animals, their adoptive families, our staff, volunteers & the community in jeopardy.
Meriden Humane Society is committed to our supporters and the transparency that they are entitled to. The Board of Directors will reach out to the allegedly affected certificate holder when the information is made available to us.
We would like to extend an open invitation for all members of the public to join us this Saturday from 2 to 6pm at our open house. We will be happy to answer any questions and show you all the dedication our staff and volunteers have had for the last 123 years!
