The former executive director of the Erie Humane Society was arraigned Wednesday on charges she used two of the organization's credit cards for personal expenses, according to investigators.

Nicole Leone, 41, appeared with her attorney via video from the Millcreek Township Police Department for the arraignment. She is being represented by attorney Chad Vilushis.

District Judge Jeff Gadley set Leone's bond at $50,000 unsecured and scheduled her preliminary hearing for Dec. 30 at 10 a.m.

She is charged with theft by deception and access device fraud, which are both felonies, as well as a misdemeanor count of tampering with records.

Investigators said she used two Visa credit cards owned by the Erie Humane Society to make 139 unathorized purchases totaling $23,582.27 from June 22, 2023, through November 12, 2024.

The purchases included personal items such as clothing, sunglasses, household items, hotel stays and other miscellaenous purchases not related to the Humane Society, police said. She is accused of covering up the purchases by making each look like legitimate business transactions, according to investigators.

Many of the purchases were from Amazon and linked to her Erie Humane Society email address, the criminal complaint said. The treasurer told police she was able to match several of the purchases of clothing and sunglasses to Leone's social media posts where the items were observed, according to court documents.

The investigation started after the treasurer became aware of a purchase from Bert's Bikes and Fitness for $2,029.48, which was supposed to be for one bicycle for a Humane Society raffle, investigators said. The treasurer went to the business and discovered two bikes were actually purchased - a $799.99 Verve 2 Lowstep, which was used for the fundraiser, and a Liv Avail AR4 valued at $1,346.18, in which Leone was seen in possession of in a social media post.

Leone's employment with the Erie Humane Society ended Nov. 14, according to the organization's board of directors. She had served as executive director since 2015.

At the time, the Humane Society did not disclose the reason for her departure, but a board member told Erie News Now on Tuesday it pursued the charges after an extensive internal investigation found some irregularities.

“It is our responsibility as the board of directors to ensure the organization follows all legal and ethical standards, including the appropriate and responsible use of its resources, funds, and donations,” said Genna Druzak, board president, in a statement. “This is not a decision we took lightly, but we are confident this is the right course of action to protect the interests and integrity of the Erie Humane Society.”

A search committee has been formed to find a new executive director, and the position is expected to be posted soon, according to the Humane Society's board of directors. Longtime employees Emily McCullor and Rob Lewis are currently serving as co-executive directors in the interim.