GUILFORD – The co-founder of a Guilford horse rescue is facing allegations that she defrauded donors and failed to properly care for her animals.

Stephanie M. Algiere-Hanchett, 28, Guilford, was arrested Wednesday by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. She is charged with first degree scheme to defraud and animal cruelty in connection with A Ton of Love Draft Horse Rescue, which she co-founded with her aunt, Susan Beach, in 2010.

According to the group’s website, www.atonoflove.org, the rescue is located on Miller Road in Guilford, on property owned by Hanchett’s parents, Lisa and Michael Algiere. The group’s non-profit status is currently pending.

According to Lt. Richard Cobb of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Hanchett solicited donations under the umbrella of the organization to cover the cost of a hernia operation for one of the horses in her care, a 2-year old Percheron named Prince Argo. But, according to Cobb, the money was not used for that purpose. Instead, Hanchett never sought medical treatment for the draft horse and used the money to make other purchases, he said.