11/03/2026
Folks,
Back in mid September of this year I received an email from an individual who wished to remain anonymous. I have included a copy of that email in this post.
The person advised that donors were concerned that approximately $5,000+ was raised 2.5 years ago by Central Vermont Canine Recovery in order to purchase a thermal drone for pet rescue. And that no drone had been purchased and that this person (and other donors) were informed that CVCR had used the money "for other recovery related expenses" and would no longer be purchasing a drone.
The person asked that I look into this for them and on behalf of the other donors.
Because of this complaint, I made the decision to file a formal complaint, as a donor myself, to the VT State Police.
The investigation was completed and no enforcement action is going to be taken.
I have posted the VT State Police Report in it's entirety. All redactions were done by them.
My take:
First, they are a public 501(c)3, and they should welcome transparency. They get significant tax breaks both at the state and Federal level, and this comes with some degree of NEED for transparency. The report explains that multiple people who were members of the organization were going through, or going to do, the necessary FAA Part 107 Pilot Training and Certification, but ended up leaving CVCR. In fact, I am aware of a lot of internal turmoil going on behind the scenes with CVCR, mostly due to lack of leadership and direction. This has come from these people contacting me directly BTW.
That being said, CVCR advised the VTSP, "after checking" that the money was still set aside in their account and had not been spent on other items. Because I received a complete report, with all attachments, this means that the Trooper investigating took their word for it, as no bank statements etc. were provided. I personally feel that a more thorough investigation would have required proof that the money was set aside, but that is what they did in their investigation.
It also states that a member of their organization is going to get their pilots license and they are waiting on this before purchasing the drone.
I always report the facts, backed up by documentation. You all need to read this and decide for yourselves. Just because it didn't reach the level of a criminal charge doesn't mean that things weren't done that are unethical.
I believe that CVCR needs to purchase the drone immediately, as we will soon be approaching the 3 year mark that the earmarked money was raised. The Founder and President of CVCR has lied publicly in the past, and I personally do not take her "word" that the money is set aside or that anyone at their organization will obtain the proper pilots license.
That being said, I hope that they go through with it and actually use the drone that so many people willingly donated towards. I hope that they surprise me.
-Rob
