Major Stephen John Coleman departed the organisation suddenly in summer 2017.

A Police investigation into alleged fraud at the Animals’ Shelter was subsequently opened in November of that year.

Following what they described as a “lengthy and complex investigation”, Police finally charged Major Coleman last night with 17 alleged offences: 15 counts of fraud, two of forgery and two of uttering forged documents.

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Pictured: Major Coleman will appear in the Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Major Coleman, who was also in the British Army and previously  served as the head of the animal welfare charity between April 2006 and October 2017.

It was during this time – between February 2007 and January 2017 – that Police say they suspect wrongdoing occurred.

He is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court this morning at 10:00 to be formally indicted.

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Pictured: The charges against Major Coleman come after what Police described as a “lengthy and complex” investigation.

It comes after Express revealed last year that the JSPCA, which is now in its 151st year, was fighting tooth and claw to survive, carrying debts of nearly £1million at the beginning of 2018.

The charity later appointed Kevin Keen as volunteer CEO to temporarily take charge amid what it described as “extremely challenging” financial difficulties.

Follow Express for updates…