Acton Animal Rescue Founder Accused in Kidnapping Plot The founder of a...

Acton Animal Rescue Founder Accused in Kidnapping Plot

The founder of a well-known animal rescue organization in the Antelope Valley has been arrested after federal prosecutors say he attempted to kidnap a former employee who previously won a nearly $6.7 million judgment against him.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Leo Grillo, 77, of Acton, was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted kidnapping, a felony that carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say the alleged plot stems from a November 2024 jury verdict that found Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (DELTA) Rescue, the animal sanctuary Grillo runs, liable for wrongful termination and other allegations. The former employee was awarded nearly $6.7 million in the case. DELTA Rescue later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2025 and is currently appealing the judgment.

Investigators allege that in December 2025, Grillo met with a person to discuss the lawsuit and a planned documentary targeting his insurance company. During the conversation, prosecutors say Grillo asked the individual to use contacts in Mexico to learn more about the woman who sued him.

Authorities say the following month Grillo met again with the individual—who was secretly cooperating with law enforcement—and began discussing a plan in coded language involving a “documentary.” According to prosecutors, the plan involved kidnapping the woman and a family member and holding them hostage in Mexico in order to force a settlement in the lawsuit. Grillo allegedly told the cooperating witness he was willing to pay $100,000 and wanted the victims flown out of an airfield in Lancaster. Federal prosecutors say Grillo later mailed the individual a $20,000 check from “Animals Are People Too” to move the plan forward. Investigators say the memo line on the check contained coded language referencing the alleged kidnapping plot.

During another meeting in Burbank, the cooperating witness showed Grillo a staged photo that appeared to show the victim and a man bound with zip ties and duct tape over the woman’s mouth. Prosecutors say Grillo then wrote another $10,000 check to continue the plan after being told the victims would need to be moved to a different location in Mexico.

Grillo founded DELTA Rescue, which describes itself as the largest no-kill animal sanctuary of its kind in the world, rescuing dogs and cats in the Antelope Valley desert areas. He has also described himself as a former film actor and producer.

Federal authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional court proceedings are expected.