MERCER, Pa. - A former humane agent in Mercer County is facing charges after police say he was working as a humane officer while his state certification was suspended.

According to a criminal complaint, an investigation into Paul Tobin of Greenville began following a report from June 30, 2025 from 21 News, as well as a July 1, 2025 report from the Sharon Herald newspaper, about a dog found dead in a suitcase in Sharon.

Both outlets interviewed Tobin, who identified himself as a humane agent for the Humane Society of Mercer County (HSMC).

Police say Tobin's certification was suspended on May 19, 2025, because Tobin had failed to complete his mandatory training for the year and submit his updated documents.

Police say Tobin was ordered to return his HSMC-issued photo ID and badge, but he did not do so.

Additionally, police say Tobin had a history of domestic violence convictions in Ohio, which could prevent him from carrying a firearm or working as an agent with the Humane Society.

The complaint alleges that Tobin was ordered to surrender his concealed carry permit to the Mercer County Sheriff's Office in September of 2025, but failed to do so.

Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Tobin attempted to get recertified by HSMC, but turned in an unsigned and undated letter of support and sponsorship on outdated letterhead. Police say Tobin wrote this letter himself without the Humane Society's Board of Directors' knowledge.

Eventually, police interviewed Tobin in November of 2025, who allegedly told officers that he was "technically" still a humane officer, and that he believed that his certification ran out at the end of July of 2025 and he would need to take a continuing education class in September to keep his certification.

Tobin told police he told HSMC Board President Mary Ammann that he was going to take the class, and again reached out to her when he completed it, asking where his personnel file was, but she never replied.

Ammann told police that Tobin texted her the day he completed the class asking for a letter of support and she did not respond. Days later, Ammann said Tobin again texted her, now saying he was reinstated as a humane officer and that he was sworn in by a judge.

Ammann again ignored this message because she was "not comfortable" with Tobin returning as a humane agent, according to the complaint.

According to the complaint, after police showed Tobin the letter from May advising him he was no longer certified, he allegedly told police he did receive the letter, but still thought he was certified until the end of July.

Furthermore, Tobin allegedly claimed he did not respond to any Humane Society calls since April of 2025. When police brought up 21 News's interview with him in June, Tobin allegedly told police he didn't think he identified himself as a humane officer, but could not remember for sure. He said the same about his interview with the Herald, but noted that he could not recall for sure and therefore could not deny the claim.

When asked why he did not return his concealed carry permit to the Sheriff's Office, Tobin allegedly told police he did not read the whole letter, only seeing the part that said his permit was revoked, not the part that said he had to return it.

In addition to the story run by 21 News and the Sharon Herald, police noted another time after May 19 that Tobin allegedly acted as a humane agent.

According to the complaint, a manager at Countryside Veterinary Service told police that Tobin came in with a neglected dog and identified himself as a humane agent, further stating that there was going to be an investigation, implying that he was going to be the one investigating.

The manager told police Tobin was "acting strangely" during the interaction.

According to court records, Tobin is charged with multiple misdemeanors, including unsworn falsification to authorities, as well as three counts of unlawful identification as a humane society police officer.

He is also charged with a summary offense of revocation of license to carry a firearm.

Court records show Tobin is due back in court on March 31 for a preliminary hearing.