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Lancaster Today
By the People, for the People
DELTA Rescue Founder Arrested in Alleged Kidnapping Plot
Leo Grillo accused of attempting to kidnap former employee Adriana Duarte Valentines
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Leo Grillo, the 77-year-old founder of the DELTA Rescue animal sanctuary, has been arrested on federal charges of attempted kidnapping. Prosecutors allege that Grillo paid $30,000 to have former DELTA employee Adriana Duarte Valentines, who won a $6.7 million wrongful termination lawsuit against him, kidnapped and taken to Mexico. Grillo denies the charges, claiming the payments were for a documentary, not a kidnapping plot.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing legal battle between Grillo and Duarte, which has already resulted in DELTA Rescue filing for bankruptcy. The arrest of the sanctuary's founder raises concerns about the future of the 1,500 animals under DELTA's care, as the organization faces an uncertain future.
The details
According to the FBI affidavit, Grillo allegedly contacted an Arizona businessman named James Clark, who is the target of a separate federal fraud investigation, to help arrange the kidnapping. Clark is said to have provided Grillo with details about the plan, including that Duarte and her husband would be taken to a remote part of Mexico and held in housing there. Grillo allegedly confirmed the plan in a recorded phone call, saying "Alrighty, we are good." On March 3, Grillo allegedly wrote a $10,000 check to Clark after being shown a staged photograph of Duarte and her husband bound with zip ties.
- In November 2024, a Los Angeles jury awarded Duarte $5.68 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages against DELTA Rescue.
- In May 2025, DELTA Rescue filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- In December 2025, Grillo left a voicemail for James Clark, the cooperating witness.
- On March 3, 2026, Grillo met with Clark and wrote a $10,000 check, leading to his arrest.
The players
Leo Grillo
The 77-year-old founder of DELTA Rescue, a no-kill animal sanctuary in Acton, California, that he built over 45 years.
Adriana Duarte Valentines
A former DELTA Rescue employee who won a $6.7 million wrongful termination verdict against Grillo in November 2024.
James Clark
An Arizona precious metals dealer who is a one-third owner of Midas Gold Group LLC and the cooperating witness in the case against Grillo. Clark is the target of a separate FBI investigation into alleged fraud.
What they’re saying
“They can get her (Duarte) and the husband to the airport willingly and at that point they are going whether they want to or not. That flight's taking off for a remote part of Mexico and they will be put into housing there.”
— James Clark, Cooperating Witness (FBI Affidavit)
“Alrighty, we are good.”
— Leo Grillo (FBI Affidavit)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Leo Grillo out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex legal battles and personal animosity between Grillo and Duarte, which have now escalated to the point of alleged criminal activity. The future of DELTA Rescue and the 1,500 animals in its care remains uncertain as the organization faces bankruptcy and the potential imprisonment of its founder.
