Meet our HLE Staff

Meet the team who make up the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Department. For more on HLE's work, visit our New York City Services section.

HLE Management

 

Annemarie Lucas

Annemarie Lucas is a Supervisory Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Special Investigator Lucas has been with the organization since 1999.

Growing up in Connecticut, Supervisory Special Investigator Lucas had a love for animals and always wished that there were "animal police" to protect them from harm and to ensure that all of their rights were being protected. She began her career as a volunteer in a local animal shelter. While reading an article in the ASPCA magazine , Supervisory Special Investigator Lucas learned that careers in humane law enforcement existed and realized that she had finally found her calling.

"The most gratifying part of my job is rescuing animals from a bad situation and eventually seeing them placed into loving homes," says Lucas. "People have to be held accountable for being cruel to animals. That is where I step in—to make them accountable."

Supervisory Special Investigator Lucas has received training by both the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is a state certified instructor in the field of law enforcement.

Supervisory Special Investigator Lucas lives with 9 dogs, 11 cats and a horse—all rescues.

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Joseph Pentangelo

Joseph Pentangelo is the Assistant Director for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA.

After a 20-year career with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the Mounted Unit and as a NYPD spokesperson, Agent Pentangelo joined the ASPCA in May 2001 as a Special Agent.

In his spare time, Agent Pentangelo uses his law enforcement expertise as an actor playing similar roles. He has been acting for 15 years and has appeared in such television shows as Law & Order.

Agent Pentangelo lives in Staten Island, NY, with his wife, 2 sons and 3 dogs. The rescue and adoption of Cain, one of Joe's dogs, was featured on an episode of Animal Precinct.

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Stacy Wolf

Stacy Wolf is the Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for the Humane Law Enforcement department. Prior to joining the team, Wolf worked as the ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Services and then Senior Director of Anti-Cruelty Field Services. In those roles, she helped write and spearhead the passage of many of New York’s animal welfare laws, including its felony cruelty law, dog shelter law, exotic pet ban, pet dealer licensing law and dangerous dog law. Also working as part of the anti-cruelty initiatives team, Wolf assists in the investigation and prosecution of cruelty and dog fighting cases in New York State and around the country.

“My current position at HLE presented me with the unique opportunity to bring the skills I learned in practicing criminal law, drafting animal welfare legislation and teaching to the ASPCA’s own law enforcement team,” says Wolf. “Being able to help our Agents and Investigators successfully investigate and prosecute those who commit acts of animal cruelty seemed like the logical next step for me at the ASPCA.”

For nearly 20 years Wolf shared her home with 3 dogs. “The 2 older boys passed away a few years back and the last of the trio, Jack, a yellow Lab mix, died recently from lymphoma” explains Wolf. “Now that my job at HLE has me dividing my time between New York City and Rensselaer County, a dog of my own is not in the stars for the moment.” Wolf currently serves as foster mom to dogs looking for homes through AnimaLovers, a rescue group in the Albany area.

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Pamela Corey

Pamela Corey has been the Director of Equine Veterinary Services for ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement since July 2008.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Dr. Corey spent 10 years in a group ambulatory equine practice. Clients included Belmont and Aqueduct racetracks, Claremont Riding Academy in Manhattan and various riding schools.

Dr. Corey received a B.A. in the Honors Program at Hunter College and conducted her professional training at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate.

“Before working at the ASPCA, I was on call whenever an HLE Agent needed a vet to examine a sick or underweight horse,” says Dr. Corey. “Now I'm really excited to be working full time with the team and hope that together we can make a difference for urban horses.”

Dr Corey lives with her dog, a Bahamian Potcake whom she rescued on the islands of Turks and Caicos, in the West Indies.

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The Agents

 

Kristi Adams

Kristi Adams is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Adams joined the organization in July 2004. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Adams was employed for 5 years as a veterinary assistant in an animal hospital in Monroe, NY, and as an animal control officer for New York City’s Animal Care and Control and at an upstate New York humane society.

Agent Adams currently resides in Brooklyn with a Pit Bull named Bruno and 3 cats, Piper, Manch and Frank.

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Patrick Breen

Patrick Breen is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Breen joined the organization in February 2007.

Prior to joining the organization, Agent Breen spent 20 years with the New York Police Department, 12 of which he served as a member of the mounted unit.

Agent Breen currently lives in Nassau County with his family, including Rebel, a Golden Retriever, and Chester, a black Lab.

“Being able to follow an investigation from its jump off point right through to its conclusion is amazing,” says Breen. “I love seeing positive results.”

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John De La Torre

John De La Torre is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent De La Torre joined the organization in May 2001.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent De La Torre was employed as a veterinary assistant in Roslyn, NY. In 1999 he earned an Associate’s Degree in graphic design and advertising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

Agent De La Torre currently lives in Queens with a rescued Pit Bull named Wednesday.

 “I always loved working with animals and wanted to be part of an organization that helped them,” says De La Torre.

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Diane DiGiacomo

Diane DiGiacomo is a Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent DiGiacomo has been employed with the organization since June 1997. Prior to working at the ASPCA, Special Investigator DiGiacomo was a member of the New York City Police Department.

Special Investigator DiGiacomo resides in New York City with her child.

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Brad English

Brad English is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent English joined the organization in August 2007.

Prior to joining the organization, Agent English spent 20 years with the New York City Police Department, retiring as a detective.

Agent English currently lives in New York with his family, including a Golden Retriever and 2 Shih Tzus.

“I became a Special Agent because my love of animals coupled with my law enforcement experience makes this the perfect job,” says English. “Seeing an abused animal placed in a loving home is very rewarding on many levels.”

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Adam Gankiewicz

Adam Gankiewicz is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Gankiewicz joined the organization in November 2001.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Gankiewicz was a detective for the New York City Police Department and a security advisor.

"Getting animals out of abusive situations, establishing solid cruelty cases and obtaining convictions to fit the crimes is what I hope to accomplish by being in this department," says Agent Gankiewicz.

Agent Gankiewicz, his wife, Stacy, and his daughter, Ashley, share their home with their Rottweiler, Justice, and Japanese Fighting Fish, Fishy.

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Debra Koch

Debra Koch is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Koch joined the organization in July 2007.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Koch was employed for 2 years as a New York City Peace Officer. She is a graduate of Queensborough College, with a degree in business.

Agent Koch currently lives in New York City with Roxy, a 7-year-old Maltipoo
mix whom she rescued.

 “I have always had a passion to help animals,” says Agent Koch. “I always wanted to be a part of saving their lives from horrific situations and to bring about justice.”

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Paul H. Lai

Paul H. Lai is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Lai has been with the organization since 1999.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Lai held a variety of positions in the criminal justice field, including a Parks Enforcement Officer with the NYC Parks Department and a Federal Police Officer with US Department of Veterans. He is a graduate of St. John’s University with a major in criminal justice.

“I never thought I would get respect from this job. But I do.” says Lai. “We get tremendous support from the NYC Police Department, the Assistant District Attorneys and even the FBI.”

Agent Lai currently resides in Queens with his 5-year-old black Lab mix, Brooklyn Buddy.

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Mark MacDonald

Mark MacDonald is a Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. After 30 distinguished years of service at the organization, Special Investigator MacDonald focuses primarily on the supervision of daily operations and investigations in the department. His career has included several highly successful undercover investigations of cock and dog fighting rings, pet shop inspections, and animal cruelty arrests and convictions.

Special Investigator MacDonald joined the ASPCA in 1974 as a kennel tech. He then worked as a round-up/emergency driver for the ASPCA Adoption Center and Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in addition to supervising operations at the ASPCA Animal Port located at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In 1986, he was promoted to Special Agent, and after serving with the force for 11 years, became Special Investigator in 1997. Presently he serves as a field training officer and First Grade Investigator.

"Saving helpless animals is my job—the look in their face when they are being saved is my reward," says Special Investigator MacDonald. He wishes more individuals would get involved to report cruelty. "Animal cruelty can happen anywhere. If you see animal cruelty, it is your business, do something about it," he says.

Special Investigator MacDonald resides in New York City with his wife, 3 children, 5 dogs, 4 birds, cat, tropical fish and various exotic animals.

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Omar Negrillo

Omar Negrillo is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Negrillo joined the organization in June 2004.

Prior to joining the Humane Law Enforcement team, Agent Negrillo worked in Adoptions at the ASPCA.

“My favorite part of the job,” says Negrillo, “is knowing that at the end of each day, I have made a difference—big or small—for animals.”

Currently, Agent Negrillo resides in New York with his dog, Sedgwick, whom he rescued from the Bronx.

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Peter Rivas

Peter Rivas is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. He joined the organization in June 2004.

Prior to his employment at the ASPCA, Agent Rivas was employed for 6 years as an officer for the New York City Police Department. He also worked for 4 years as a parks enforcement officer for the New York City Parks Department.

Agent Rivas resides in Queens with his daughter. They, recently adopted a 4-year-old Yorkie, rescued from the ASPCA 2009 Tennessee puppy mill raid.

“I also enjoy educating the public about the proper way to care for their pets. I became a Special Agent because knowing that I could make a difference in an animal’s life means a lot to me,” he says.

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Paul Romano

Paul Romano is a Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Investigator Romano joined the organization in September 1998.

Prior to working at the ASPCA, Investigator Romano was a Lieutenant Peace Officer for a private housing complex in New York City for 12 years. It was in this capacity that Investigator Romano became interested in humane law enforcement after numerous interactions with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents.

It is Investigator Romano's hope that crimes involving animals will eventually be viewed as serious as crimes involving people. "Hopefully, people will put pressure on their legislators to strengthen laws to protect animals," says Investigator Romano.

Investigator Romano resides in New York with his wife, children and dog.

“I enjoy making a difference,” says Romano. “I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

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Henry Ruiz

Henry Ruiz is a Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Investigator Ruiz joined the organization in 2001.

Special Agent Henry Ruiz served with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) prior to joining the ASPCA. While with the NYPD Agent Ruiz served with the Organized Crime Control Bureau Narcotics Division for his last 12 years of service.

Since joining the ASPCA, he has primarily worked undercover as Agent H, infiltrating hundreds of cockfighting and dog fighting rings as well as numerous other special operations conducted by the HLE department. Several months after joining the HLE unit, he obtained the first Felony Animal Cruelty Indictment in New York City.

Ruiz currently resides in the Bronx with his family.

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Deborah Ryan

Deborah Ryan is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Ryan joined the organization in 2007.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Ryan served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, where her position titles included Chief of Investigations and Chief of Police. Upon retiring, Ryan pursued a position with Humane Law Enforcement. Ryan currently resides in New York City.

“I always wanted to combine my love for animals with that of law enforcement,” says Ryan. “The ASPCA allows me to do just that.”

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Richard Ryan

Richard Ryan is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA.

Agent Ryan joined the ASPCA in 2003 after a 21-year career with the New York City Police Department, 9 of which he served as a member of the mounted unit. This experience qualified Agent Ryan to bear the distinction of Equine Specialist. His duties include monitoring the care and working conditions of New York City’s carriage and riding horses.

Agent Ryan currently lives in New York City, where on his spare time he operates a boat and provides ecological tours of the marine environment.

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Joann Sandano

Joann Sandano is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Sandano joined the organization in August 1999.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Agent Sandano volunteered at her local SPCA as an animal cruelty investigator. In addition, she was employed as a security officer for various retail stores and college campuses. Combining her love of animals and previous law enforcement experience, Agent Sandano says her job as an HLE Agent is a dream come true.

“I feel it is my duty to stand up to the bullies, and anyone who hurts or neglects an animal is a bully,” says Sandano. “There is no greater feeling than taking an animal out of a horrible situation and then bringing them to safety.”

Agent Sandano lives in New York with 3 dogs and a cat.

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Jennifer Sarasky

Jennifer Sarasky is a Special Agent for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Agent Sarasky joined the organization in February 2006.

Prior to joining the organization, Agent Sarasky worked for the Greenburgh Police Deparment as an animal control officer and as an adoptions and behavior specialist for the New Rochelle Humane Society.

“I joined HLE because I was looking for a challenge,” says Sarasky. “I wanted to rescue animals as well as educate the public.”

Agent Sarasky currently lives in the Bronx with a house full of rescued animals, including an American Bulldog, a senior Boxer, 4 cats and an African Grey parrot.

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Timothy Stack

Timothy Stack is a Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Investigator Stack joined the organization in March 1994.

Prior to joining the organization Investigator Stack was employed by the New York City Emergency Medical Service.

Currently, Investigator Stack resides in Long Island.

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HLE Dispatch and Supportive Services

 

Marisol Melendez

Marisol Melendez is a Dispatcher for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Melendez joined the organization in 2007.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Melendez worked in the dispatching and customer service fields. She is a graduate of Boricua College, receiving a degree in business. She currently resides in Long Island City with her 9-month-old Maltese puppy, Cody.

“I feel this job is very important,” says Melendez. “Without dispatchers or Agents helping to make a difference, so many animals would be suffering.”

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Maribel Pena

Maribel Pena is a Dispatcher for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Pena joined the organization in 2005.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Pena graduated from John Jay College with a degree in Criminal Justice and served as an NYPD Cadet. Pena currently resides in the Bronx with a Pug named Gizmo.

“Coming to work is something I find very rewarding,” says Pena. “I am responsible for sending the officers to the homes where they will save an animal’s life.”

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Wilson R. Saint-Hilaire

Wilson R. Saint-Hilaire is an Assistant Dispatcher for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Saint-Hilaire joined the organization in 2008.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Saint-Hilaire graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in Business Administration. Saint-Hilaire currently resides in Queens with his 2 Yorkshire Terriers, Napoleon and Buddy.

“My favorite thing about my job is knowing that I am here and working for a great cause,” says Saint-Hilaire. “Being surrounded by so many people who are passionate about helping animals is amazing.”

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Marilyn V. Bharwani

Marilyn Bharwani is a Dispatcher for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. Bharwani joined the organization in 2007.

Prior to joining the ASPCA, Bharwani worked as a dispatcher for a school bus company. She is a graduate of the Borough of Manhattan Community College and attended Brooklyn College where she majored in English.

Bharwani currently resides in Queens with her husband.

“Being able to help callers who have witnessed abuse and then directing the Agents to cases is a huge part of what goes on at HLE,” says Bharwani. “It’s good knowing I had a part in helping an animal in need.”