Community Corner

Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Arrested Again

In light of second-degree larceny charges filed July 10, Karen Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave.

A Woodbridge Animal Control officer's troubles with the law continue.

Karen Lombardi was arrested Wednesday by Woodbridge Police on charges of second-degree larceny for allegedly misappropriating funds used for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. 

Her arrest comes less than three months after the 59-year-old Milford resident was arrested on a charge of animal cruelty.

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Woodbridge Police said Lombardi's latest arrest, on July 10, stems from an investigation into the misappropriation of vouchers and funds used for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Police were tipped off to the alleged activity when the state Department of Agriculture's Animal Control Division filed a complaint, according to the police report.

"These incidents were determined to have occurred during October 2012 and other diverse dates," the police report states. 

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Lombardi was released after posting a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on July 18. 

In light of these latest allegations, Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, Woodbridge First Selectman Ellen Scalettar told Patch. Exactly how long that will be remains to be seen, Scalettar said. 

Scalettar declined to comment further about the charges against Lombardi. She did note that an individual would be brought in to Woodbridge Animal Control to help with the workload while Lombardi is out on leave. 

In regard to the animal cruelty charge, Lombardi is accused of grabbing a “high-strung” small Terrier named Timone, picking him up and slamming him against a wall in November while trying to put a sweater on him, according to an arrest warrant affidavit on file at New Haven Superior Court.

“While doing so, she screamed at him, ‘You hold still or I’ll smash your (expletive) skull in,” the affidavit states, citing two employees for the animal control department who shared the same story with police.


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