SALEM, Ore. – The woman accused of neglecting at least 35 horses is in trouble again. This time it is for allegedly using her boarding operation in Marion County to fleece her customers.

Kristina Early was arrested on charges of 35 counts of animal neglect filed by the Marion County Sheriff's Office July 11, followed by additional chargies levied Monday July 20.

Kristina Early, 26, faces additional charges of theft and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. She allegedly told the owners of one of the horses she was boarding that the horse had died — and even sent them a fake vet bill for $800. Meanwhile, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, she actually sold the horse.

One of the rescue volunteers, Alena Zimmerman, called this strategy “creative and sick.” Zimmerman has taken several of Early’s horses in for rescue, and said this is the most bizarre case she’s every been involved in.

Marion County authorities say they’ve never seen a scam quite like this.

“Most of these people where out of town, so they weren’t able to check on their animals,” said Zimmerman, who also boards horses for a living. “So she took advantage of that.”

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Natalia Mikkola of Aumsville, Ore., also was arrested. Authorities say she attempted to hide some of Early’s horses. Early was arrested earlier this month after deputies seized over 40 horses; 12 dogs; 5 cats; 4 goats and 2 parrots from her property. (KATU’s original story: “More than 60 animals seized in neglect case.”)

Authorities believe there are still five to 10 horses still being hidden. If you have purchased — or boarded — a horse at Early’s facility you’re asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (503) 576-726