MESA, AZ — A woman has been arrested by Mesa police in connection with the deaths of three dogs after the discovery of her diary detailing the alleged torture of several animals.

On Nov. 19, Mesa Police announced the arrest of 42-year-old Brook Scalero.

Police officials say that on Nov. 4, a journal was turned over to the Mesage police that allegedly belonged to Scalero. The diary allegedly described the abuse and death of at least 10 dogs in Scalero’s care.

Earlier on June 7, Paws Fur the Cause reported that in May, Scalero agreed to pay for a 3-year-old Maltese mix named “Pepe.” The organization allowed Scalero to leave with the dog with the understanding that he would pay for it later that night, but he never did.

Later, on Oct. 5, officers responded to the VCA Animal Hospital for reports of a dead dog that matched Pepe’s description. Investigators say a microchip confirmed the dog was not Pepe, but Griffin, another dog registered to Scalero. Police say Griffin had injuries consistent with animal abuse.

During an investigation, police learned that between November 2023 and October 2024, Scalero lived with a roommate who had a dog named Gus, who died under Scalero’s watch. When Scalero left the residence, police say her roommate found her journal, documenting Gus’ death.

Scalero was arrested Nov. 14 on unrelated charges. During a police interview, she admitted to being the owner of the diary but claimed the stories were part of her “creative writing”. Scalero admitted that he took Pepe without paying for him.

The next day, on November 15, a person called the police after finding a dead dog behind a bush. The microchip confirmed the dog is Pepe, according to Mesa PD.

Scalero was interviewed again on Nov. 18 and admitted to being involved in the torture and deaths of Pepe, Griffin and Gus, police said.

According to court documents, Scalero also wrote in the diary about abusing a 14-month-old child. Police are investigating the claim, but say no victims have been found at this time.

She was booked into jail on multiple charges, including animal cruelty and theft.