POLK COUNTY, Fla. – An Auburndale woman with a history of minor theft convictions is now facing serious felony charges after allegedly robbing a disabled man at knifepoint on Saturday.
Crystle Renee Rodgers, 37, of Auburndale, was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on 2nd Street. A disabled man reported that he was approached by an unknown female who was allegedly holding a box cutter. The woman reportedly demanded the victim’s money. When he refused, the suspect allegedly pushed him down and forcibly took his wallet.
According to reports, the woman removed $55 in cash and a bank card before discarding the wallet. Before the victim could deactivate the card, the suspect allegedly made six fraudulent charges totaling approximately $144.
About an hour after the robbery, Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies located a woman matching the suspect’s description, identified as Crystle Rodgers, nearby. The victim was able to positively identify Rodgers as his attacker.
Deputies later found the stolen bank card in the yard of a nearby residence.
Investigators say Rodgers has three previous petit theft convictions within the last five years, but the new charges represent a significant escalation in severity.
Crystle Rodgers has been formally charged with:
- Robbery with a Weapon
- Fraudulent Use of Personal ID
- Felony Petit Theft
- Tampering with Evidence
- Unlawful Possession of Personal ID
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