Search warrant served at home of former Humane Society director

Detectives and officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department served a search warrant at the home of Niki Congero Thursday morning, searching for evidence in their embezzlement investigation of the former Lake Tahoe Humane Society executive director.

The non-profit's board of directors suspended Congero on March 14, 2017 after suspicious charges appeared on the Humane Society's bank statements. She was terminated on March 31. The board says there were cash advances made on their account by Congero at Dotty's Casino in Stateline.

SLTPD has said their investigation includes looking at film from the casino as well as bank statements and other financial materials.

Acting Director Judy Brown said they cannot comment until the investigation is over, but Congero's lawyer made comments after the search of Congero's home.

"We are baffled," her lawyer Adam Spicer said of the search. "Niki had a garage sale and posted some of the items on line. The Humane Society then contacted police and said the items were theirs. We will be looking into civil and criminal action against them."

Officers removed a couch and box of paperwork from Congero's home, according to South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Shannon Laney.

"We have confidence in the judicial system," said Brown after hearing Spicer's comments.

No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. In the meantime the South Lake Tahoe community has been coming to the aid of the Humane Society with donations of cash and animal food.