Mahoning County dog breeder faces 39 additional theft charges in alleged scheme

A Mahoning County dog breeder accused of swindling puppy buyers faces more legal troubles.

April Waidman, 40, of Beloit was indicted Thursday by a grand jury on 39 additional theft charges − 27 felonies and 12 misdemeanors, according to court records. She already faced 32 theft-related charges in the case.

In total, Waidman now faces 71 charges. The case is going through the court process − a pre-trial was held Thursday − and she remains free from jail on $25,000 bond.

Waidman, also known as April Simon, has been selling mini dachshunds and English bulldogs from her home.

Former customers have accused Waidman of promising the same animal to multiple buyers while pocketing the money. One called it a puppy "Ponzi scheme." And some buyers who get a puppy contend their dog was sick.

The latest indictment represents new victims who filed complaints with authorities regarding Waidman.