Acton Actor and Animal Advocate Charged in Kidnapping Plot

Leo Grillo accused of attempting to abduct former employee who won $6.7 million wrongful termination judgment against him.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 12:20am

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Federal prosecutors have charged 77-year-old Leo Grillo, an Acton-based actor and founder of the animal welfare nonprofit DELTA Rescue, with the attempted kidnapping of a former employee who previously won a $6.7 million wrongful-termination judgment against him. According to a federal complaint, Grillo allegedly met with an undercover agent and provided a $10,000 check to further the abduction plot, which involved plans to take the victim and her husband to Mexico.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for high-profile individuals to abuse their power and resources in an attempt to seek retribution against those who have taken legal action against them. It also raises concerns about the security of whistleblowers and employees who speak out against wrongdoing, even after obtaining legal victories.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Grillo met with an undercover agent who showed him a fake photograph of the victim and her husband tied up. Grillo then wrote a $10,000 check to the agent to advance the kidnapping plot. In February 2026, Grillo allegedly mailed the agent a $20,000 check from his "Animals Are People Too" organization, with the memo stating "Production" as coded language for the kidnapping plan.

  • On March 3, 2026, the undercover agent met with Grillo in Burbank and told him they "got 'em", referring to the targets.
  • In November 2024, the victim won a $6.68 million judgment in Los Angeles County Superior Court for wrongful termination against Grillo's DELTA Rescue.
  • In February 2026, Grillo mailed the undercover agent a $20,000 check to further the kidnapping plot.

The players

Leo Grillo

A 77-year-old Acton-based actor and founder of the animal welfare nonprofit DELTA Rescue, who has been charged with the attempted kidnapping of a former employee.

DELTA Rescue

Grillo's animal welfare nonprofit, which was found liable for the wrongful termination of a former employee who was awarded a $6.68 million judgment.

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What they’re saying

“On March 3, the (undercover) individual met again with Grillo in Burbank, told him, 'They've got 'em,' referring to the targets, a mother who had been awarded a nearly $7 million judgment against Grillo for wrongful termination.”

— Undercover Agent

“Grillo worried aloud that their sons could contact law enforcement. Grillo eventually wrote a $10,000 check to the individual to further advance the kidnapping plot.”

— Leo Grillo

What’s next

The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service are continuing to investigate this matter. A judge will decide whether to allow Grillo to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and resources by high-profile individuals, even after they have faced legal consequences for their actions. It underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that the justice system remains fair and impartial, even in the face of attempts at retribution.