I believe we deserve an explanation as to why yesterday (10/30/2024) my wife, Investigator Beth Crano for the Cuyahoga County Internet Crimes Against Children task force and her partner K9 Indy, while called out to assist an affliate agency during an actual search warrant was interrupted in completing her responsibilities. While on site to conduct the search with multiple law enforcement agencies present as witnesses, Commander Dave Frattare of the Cuyahoga County Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC) arrived on scene and before my wife and K9 Indy could complete any search of the property, seized K9 Indy and the ICAC patrol vehicle leaving Beth stranded with no means of transportation. (Thank goodness local law enforcement supported her and provided her a ride home after her vehicle was confiscated). This was done despite prior communication to us that Beth was to surrender K9 Indy, her patrol vehicle, and all property of ICAC on Friday, November 1, 2024 (one month prior to her official resignation date of Dec 1st). These actions were done in front of local PD and affiliate agencies without any prior communication to Beth or the other agency's present. I can see no reason for these actions taken during a scheduled search warrant other than an attempt to embarrass my wife in front of her law enforcement colleagues and purposely cause her emotional distress. 

I firmly believe these acts are retaliatory and are occurring because Beth submitted her letter of resignation after 13 yrs of service to the task force with a pristine record of service and case closure. I also believe that these actions are a result of voicing her concerns regarding the welfare of K9 Indy. 

I find the actions of Commander Dave Frattare and the ICAC task force members present to be completely unprofessional and frankly disturbing. Why would they do this in such a manner? They had every opportunity to communicate any changes to the outlined plan of surrendering Indy on Friday as was communicated.

The real tragedy in this story however is the fate of K9 Indy. While Beth has love and support from her family, law enforcement affiliates, K9 officers, and all the residents who have spoken out and signed the petition against this travesty, Indy has been ripped from the only home she knows, is being placed who knows where and with others she does not know, only to be sent out for retraining and certification in 4 days as outlined in the statement from Cuyahoga County.  

Because Indy was taken in such a poorly executed manner and without prior communication, she was taken without her food, medications, and her comforting toys. I find this to be cruel and abusive. This is a living being, not a peice of equipment that can be reprogrammed. 

While we all hope for her sake, Indy is able to adapt and thrive in her new environment- despite all the stress from confusion and loss that has been forced upon her, why was this even an option? The turnaround time for training a new K9 with this skill set is short and Beth's resignation was scheduled to be effective December 1st. The next available training class of these types of K9s is scheduled for early 2025. Does this gap in K9 service warrant the above actions? No, the gap could have easily been breached through the request of other local Ohio K9s with this skill set as has been done in the past. 

After 13yrs of service, this is the thanks and goodbye provided by the ICAC task force management and worst of all Indy is being used as a pawn to punish Beth for her decision to place her own wellness and family's needs as a priority.

I sincerely hope that Prosecutor O'Malley and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, having this information, will reevaluate the intentions and decisions of the ICAC Commander. These actions reflect poorly on the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and undermine the efforts to staff the office with skilled professionals and build bonds with local law enforcement agencies.

Please continue to support this cause for Indy by signing our petition and voicing your concerns to Prosecutor O'Malley and the government of Cuyahoga County.

Rob Crano