Accused Embezzler Pleads Not Guilty

Anne Schumate Williams is also facing animal cruelty charges stemming from the alleged maltreatment of dozens of horses.
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A Virginia woman has pleaded not guilty to multiple fraud charges stemming from an animal cruelty investigation of the Peaceable Farm, near Somerset, that began last year.

In October 2015, the Orange County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office began investigating conditions at Peaceable Farm, where authorities discovered a herd of 89 allegedly emaciated horses, along with the remains of seven other horses. Investigators also found two donkeys, 28 cats, and seven dogs. The farm’s owner Anne Goland, also known as Anne Schumate Williams, surrendered 71 horses, along with the dogs and several cats. She retained possession of 18 horses, the two donkeys, a bull, and the remaining cats.

Veterinarians subsequently assessed all the horses and euthanized five due to their poor condition. Another 10 horses were determined to be in need of immediate veterinary care and were seized after Williams declined to surrender them. All of the seized or surrendered horses were removed from the property and placed in rehabilitative care at several horse rescues. Investigators received permission to conduct welfare checks on the animals that remained in Williams’ possession.

Williams was subsequently charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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