A Brazil man has been arrested and faces a list of charges after taking almost $300 thousand from the Clay County Humane Society for a construction project that was never completed.
Police arrested Stephen "Ernie" Spradley II, 53, Brazil, and charged him with fraud, money laundering and theft. According to court documents, Spradley and his company, SESCO, were hired in 2024 to build a new facility for the humane society in Clay County. Shortly after the construction project began, communication began to break down with Spradley.
Court documents allege Spradley used the funds and instead purchased Indianapolis Colts tickets, Purdue University tickets, bought groceries, a house in Brazil, a trailer and vehicles, as well as other items.
In total, Spradley took $298,343.75 from the Clay County Humane Society.
The new facility has yet to be completed and Spradley has failed to return the money he was given for the project. The Clay County Humane Society has also filed a civil suit to reclaim the money, according to court documents.
Parke Heritage dance team in state competition
Parke Heritage earns berth in Class 2A state championship game
Size, experience leads Parke Heritage to semistate semifinal win over Triton Central
ICAC looks to grow in search for online predators
Nominations being accepted for 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation
New track chairs make Indiana a national leader in accessibility at state parks
Special Olympics Indiana hosting 54th annual state basketball tournament
Thrive info session planned for March 26
BMV warns of scam, more deceptive messages
King looks to bring experience to Parke County Council
Colorado man arrested on Indiana resident for child solicitation, other charge
Zumwalt looks to carry Republican nod for Vermillion County Commissioner District 2
Brazil man arrested on rape, other charges
Getting to know the Centerville Bulldogs
GE Aerospace to make millions of dollars of investment in Terre Haute, Lafayette
