Paducah Humane Society Volunteer Arrested Saturday

A Transitional Assistance Program volunteer working at the McCracken County Humane Society was arrested Saturday morning after detectives reviewed surveillance video from hidden cameras.

Director of the McCracken County Humane Society, Terry Vannerson, contacted the sheriff's department on June 10 regarding stolen cash. Detectives believe the theft occurred on June 8. Several employees and volunteers were questioned, but no leads were obtained at that time.

Vannerson contacted the sheriff's department again on June 14 to report the theft of additional cash. Detectives believe the second theft happened on June 12. Detectives decided to place hidden surveillance cameras at the Humane Society, in an attempt to identify the perpetrator.

On Saturday, June 15 around 7:30 am, Detectives were contacted again by Humane Society employee Brittany Hartman. She told them an additional $170 had been taken. Detectives responded to the Humane Society and reviewed footage from the hidden cameras they had placed.

The footage reveled 33 year-old Erika Bellamy taking the money. Bellamy was working as a volunteer under the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program. When detectives confronted Bellamy, they recovered the stolen $170 from her person. She admitted to the involvement in the two previous thefts, which totaled approximately $350. She was arrested and lodged in the McCracken Regional Jail. Bellamy is charged with receiving stolen property under $500. Police say additional charges are pending.