LINDLEY, N.Y. (WENY) -- A 51-year-old Lindley man who used to work as a contracted Dog Control Officer for the City of Corning was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 26th for allegedly stealing a dog, selling it, and pretending it had died while still being contracted with Corning. According to police, the nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier named Hope has been returned with her family. 

"The dog was returned safe and secure," said Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard. 

As a result of the investigation into the dog's disappearance, police say Scott Casterline has been, charged with official misconduct, misapplication of property, and false written statement. According to Hope's family, she is doing very well, and already playing with the family's grandchildren.

“Hope is doing amazing! We’ve had all the kids and grandkids over to spend time with her. It is still so surreal that she’s alive and back home with us. Our hearts are so full,” Hope's family said in a prepared statement released through the Steuben County Sheriff's Office. 

According to Allard, Hope was initially discovered wandering outside and turned over to the Chemung County SPCA. Casterline recovered the animal, and instead of trying to reunite it with its owners, allegedly sold it, and claimed it had died. Deputies were able to track the dog down to a family in Ohio, where they recovered the dog and brought it back to its original owners. 

According to police, Hope was very well treated while being cared for by the family from Ohio, who had no idea she was stolen. They added Hope even got to spend part of her summer in the Adirondacks as a result of her adventure. 

In order to get Hope back to her family, Allard said two deputies traveled to Ohio to get her. Police say phone investigation techniques were used to determine Hope was in Ohio. 

According to Corning City Officials, Casterline was only a contractor, and was never directly employed by the City as a dog control officer. Officials added Casterline voluntarily terminated his contract several months ago. 

According to Corning City officials, Casterline was let out of his contract on his request months ago. In a press release, Allard thanked the City of Corning Police Department for their assistance.

Casterline is scheduled to appear in Lindley Town Court on a later date.