Eduardo Castro, 39, of Gary, is facing multiple fraud charges after an investigation into a fundraiser for an injured dog named Brownie.
According to court documents, the fraud incident occurred in Schererville. A complainant told police she “had paid for a dog to get emergency surgery, under the guise of being paid back through a GoFundMe fundraiser that was set up in the dog’s name.”
The complainant told police Brownie had been posted in the Facebook group “219 Lost and Found Pets,” stating the dog had been hit by a car and needed extensive medical care. She said a male identifying as “Tom Green” agreed to start a GoFundMe page for Brownie’s expenses and agreed to pay her back through the GoFundMe proceeds.
Court documents state the complainant paid $400 for the initial visit to the Veterinary Orthopedic Center in Highland on July 2, 2025, $1,200 on July 3, 2025, for emergency surgery at the Hobart Animal Clinic, and $1,665.92 on July 11, 2025, for another procedure for Brownie.
The complainant later viewed the GoFundMe and observed the organizer was listed as Castro, not “Tom Green,” with an address listed in Gary. The beneficiary of the GoFundMe proceeds was listed as another individual. The GoFundMe had raised $5,100.58, and the complainant said she was never paid back. Court documents state all of the funds were transferred on July 20, 2025.
Court documents state the dog is now owned by another person, who also received no funds for Brownie. The listed beneficiary was not a donor and had not participated in the dog’s medical procedures.
The complainant told police Brownie had been picked up from the 500 block of Ralston Court in Gary. Investigators said Castro was connected to that address through records and identification information.
According to court documents, messages showed the complainant asking where the money was. The individual told her the money was seized by the state pursuant to a child support case, but investigators found no record of such a seizure.
Police later spoke with Castro, who admitted to being involved in creating the GoFundMe and said he gave all proceeds to another individual, but was unable to provide documentation supporting that claim.
Police said Castro agreed to meet with investigators but never appeared and later stopped responding to calls.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on April 28,2026.
Charges filed April 22,2026.
Fraud – Pecuniary Loss Between $750 and $50,000 (Level 6 Felony)
Fraud – Loss Between $750 and $50,000 (Level 6 Felony)
Fraud (Class A Misdemeanor)
Fraud (Class A Misdemeanor)
