LAKELAND, Fla. – A local business owner who was trusted with the keys to private homes is now behind bars after Polk County deputies linked her to a string of high-value jewelry thefts.
Ashley Hernandez, 31, of Lakeland, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation that revealed thousands of dollars in gold and diamonds had been funneled through local pawn shops.
The case broke open on February 13 when a 67-year-old resident reported that several expensive pieces had vanished from her master bedroom. The victim told investigators she suspected Hernandez, who had been hired to clean the home three times since December 2025. Because Hernandez operated her own cleaning service, she was frequently left alone in the house with full access to every room.
By the time the victim noticed the items missing on February 11, the losses were staggering. The stolen loot included an 18-carat gold Medusa ring, a diamond bracelet, and gold panther earrings, with a total estimated value of $11,500.
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Detectives quickly pivoted to “Quick Cash Liquidators,” where they discovered Hernandez had allegedly conducted 12 separate pawn transactions. While some items were recovered, authorities noted that other pieces had already been sold or melted down.
The investigation has since expanded beyond the initial report. After Hernandez’s social media followers began flagging similar concerns, a second victim in Brandon reported $350 in missing items.
While the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is handling the theft portion of that case, Polk County detectives added extra charges because the stolen goods from Brandon were pawned within Polk County lines.
Hernandez now faces multiple second-degree felony charges, including theft from a person 65 or older, dealing in stolen property, and providing false information to a pawnbroker.
“When you invite someone into your home to work, you’re placing a great deal of trust in them. This suspect took advantage of that trust, and our detectives, who are the very best, wasted no time uncovering the truth,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “I would suggest that anyone who allowed this suspect into their home do a full inventory on their valuables, and report any suspected theft to your local law enforcement agency.”
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