An actor and founder of an animal welfare organization in Acton has been arrested on a federal charge for allegedly attempting to kidnap a former employee who had previously won a $6.7 million wrongful-termination lawsuit against him, according to the Justice Department.
Leo Grillo, 77, leads Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (DELTA) Rescue, which describes itself as the largest no-kill animal sanctuary of its kind. He is charged with attempted kidnapping, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Grillo was taken into custody on Tuesday and is scheduled for an initial court appearance in downtown Los Angeles.
Court documents state that in November 2024, a jury awarded the victim $6,680,950 after finding DELTA Rescue liable for wrongful termination and other claims. The organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2025 and is appealing the judgment.
According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, Grillo met with another individual in December 2025 to discuss both the litigation and his grievances with his liability insurance company. During this meeting, he asked if contacts in Mexico could provide information about the plaintiff who had sued him.
In January 2026, Grillo requested another meeting with this individual—who was cooperating with law enforcement at the time—and discussed plans using coded language about making a “documentary.” He allegedly described a scenario where the woman who prevailed at trial would be kidnapped along with a family member and held hostage in Mexico until she agreed to settle the litigation. Grillo reportedly offered $100,000 for this plan and mentioned arranging transportation from an airfield in Lancaster.
In February 2026, Grillo sent a $20,000 check from “Animals Are People Too” to this individual as part of what he called “Production,” consistent with his code for the alleged kidnapping plot. He confirmed that he wanted both the victim and her husband flown to Mexico where they would be held hostage.
On March 3rd, during another meeting in Burbank, the cooperating individual showed Grillo a staged photograph depicting what appeared to be the victim and another person restrained. The individual claimed there were complications moving them out of Lancaster. Grillo expressed concern that their sons might contact authorities before writing another check for $10,000.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California oversees prosecutions like this one while also handling civil matters involving government interests across seven counties serving more than 19 million residents (official website). The office collaborates closely with federal agencies such as FBI and United States Postal Inspection Service on investigations like these (official website). It also runs programs focused on public education and victim assistance (official website).
“A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler (Major Crimes Section), Kevin B. Reidy, and Haoxiaohan H. Cai (Major Frauds Section) are prosecuting this case.
E. Martin Estrada currently serves as United States Attorney for this district (official website).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office works together with local partners to ensure public safety throughout its jurisdiction (official website).
