Ohio AG Dave Yost sues nonprofit founder for misusing service dog donations

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a civil lawsuit against the founder of a defunct nonprofit that allegedly diverted thousands in charitable donations meant to fund service dogs for disabled residents and instead used the money for personal expenses, including rent, dating services, and private music lessons.

The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses Michele S. Frank, the former executive director of Pawsible Angels Inc., of misappropriating more than $25,000 in charitable funds and violating multiple provisions of Ohio’s charitable solicitation laws.

“Ohioans donated to help people in need — not to pay someone’s rent, piano lessons or dating services,” said Yost. “This is a blatant betrayal of public trust, and we’re holding her accountable.”

The attorney general’s Charitable Law Section, which investigates fraud and abuse in the nonprofit sector, alleges that Frank controlled the organization’s finances and operations while using the funds to pay for her own rent, utilities, medical bills, overdraft fees, meals, clothing, and more. She also allegedly failed to maintain transparency, refused to provide financial records to the board of directors, and continued acting on behalf of the charity after formally resigning.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Tuesday that his office is suing Pawsible Angels, LLC and founder Michele S. Frank for misusing charitable funds. https://t.co/GzBRXvC8el

— WTOL 11 (@WTOL11Toledo) July 30, 2025

The lawsuit seeks full restitution, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and a permanent court order prohibiting Frank from operating or sitting on the board of any Ohio-based charitable organization.

The controversy surrounding Pawsible Angels gained attention in 2023 when WTOL-TV in Toledo reported that several families had paid thousands of dollars for trained service dogs that were never delivered. Three families interviewed by the station said they spent a combined $10,000 for services that never materialized. At the time, Frank declined an on-camera interview but issued a written statement denying wrongdoing.

When contacted again this week by local media, Frank said, “I ask that the public remember that there are two sides to every story, and that the truth will come out in court.”

The organization, which was based in Findlay, Ohio, was originally created to assist disabled individuals and those with chronic illnesses by providing access to trained service animals. It has since ceased operations.

The case remains pending.