Ex-Findlay agency chief faces allegations

FINDLAY — A defunct Findlay nonprofit and its founder are being sued by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost who is alleging misuse of charitable funds, mismanagement and abuse of public trust. The complaint was filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Pawsible Angels and its former executive director, Michele S. Frank, 517 Cherry St. Yost alleges donations were diverted to cover Frank's personal expenses. "Ohioans donated to help people in need — not to pay someone's rent, piano lessons, or dating services," Yost said. "This is a blatant betrayal of public trust, and we're holding her accountable." The organization received nonprofit status in 2016 to train and provide service dogs for people with chronic illness and disabilities. Its tax exempt status was revoked in 2023. Frank used over $25,000 in charitable funds for rent and utilities at her residence, personal debt and overdraft fees, medical bills, clothing, meals, dating services and private music lessons, the complaint alleges. The lawsuit also alleges that Frank failed to maintain financial transparency, refused to provide the organization's board with access to financial records, and continued to act on behalf of the charity even after resigning. Yost's office is seeking restitution, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and a permanent injunction barring Frank from operating or serving on the board of any charitable organization in Ohio. The case was brought by the Charitable Law Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office, which is responsible for enforcing state laws governing nonprofits and protecting the integrity of charitable donations.