3 people, Dayton business indicted by grand jury in fraud, animal cruelty scheme

A Montgomery County grand jury has indicted three people and a Dayton-based business on multiple charges in connection to corruption, theft and animal cruelty, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Officials say three people — Jason Thomas Jones, 44; Tabatha Lee Taverna, 47; and Jennifer Lynn Long, 39 — and a business, Dayton Dog Trainer, LLC, have been indicted for their involvement in a scheme that defrauded victims by failing to provide dog training services, as well as animal cruelty.Prosecutors say Jones owned and operated Dayton Dog Trainer, a business that claimed to provide obedience training for dogs and support animals. Authorities say victims were charged thousands of dollars for animals to be trained and to provide follow-up training.Instead, officials say the animals were returned to the owners untrained and “often covered in feces,” with obvious signs of neglect and maltreatment.Follow-up treatment, officials say, was not offered. In an investigation done by Miamisburg police, more than 65 victims were found, who collectively lost over $200,000.Prosecutors say Jones and Dayton Dog Trainer, LLC each have been indicted by a grand jury for:one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity82 counts of theft of less than $1,00011 counts of theft of less than $1,000 from elderly or disabled victims23 counts of cruelty to companion animalsone count of theftJones was also indicted on two counts of failure to file state income taxes, records say.Taverna was indicted by a grand jury for:one count of engaging in a pattern for corrupt activitythree counts of theft of less than $1,000one count of theft of less than $1,000 from elderly/disabled victimtwo counts of cruelty to companion animalsLong was indicted by a grand jury for:one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activityfour counts of theft of less than $1,000one count of cruelty to companion animalsProsecutors say warrants have been issued for the arrest of Jones, Taverna and Long.Officials say an investigation is ongoing. If you believe you may have been victimized, you are encouraged to contact Miamisburg police at 937-847-6612.