WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 39-year-old Lakeland woman was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after allegedly defrauding her employer, NAPA Auto Parts in Winter Haven, of more than $13,700. Tiffany Johnson, of Lakeland, was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail.
According to a press release from the Winter Haven Police Department, officers responded to a call at approximately 3:50 p.m. on April 16, 2025, at the NAPA Auto Parts located at 1640 3rd St SW regarding fraudulent refunds.
READ: Marion County Woman Gets Two Life Terms For Murder Of Father And Attempted Murder
Upon arrival, officers spoke with a loss prevention (LP) representative for the store. The LP employee stated that they had been alerted by another employee about potential credit card fraud being committed by Johnson. An internal investigation was launched on April 15, 2025.
The investigation involved a 12-hour review of transaction records and surveillance video. Authorities say the review revealed a pattern where Johnson would access invoices in the store’s computer system and then process fraudulent refunds. Video evidence allegedly showed Johnson then using her own personal cards to receive the refunded amounts. Police report these transactions began in August 2024, around the time a new management company took over the store.
Investigators identified four different cards used by Johnson to carry out the scheme. These cards were reportedly linked back to Johnson through her employee account. In total, 54 fraudulent transactions were identified, totaling $13,769.21. The individual refund amounts were listed as $7,173.10, $3,067.90, $529.78, and $2,998.43. Authorities emphasized that no customer cards were involved in any of the fraudulent transactions.
READ: Winter Haven Police Department To Host Free “Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff” Event
During an interview with police, Johnson allegedly admitted to the theft. She reportedly told officers that she learned the refund process from another NAPA employee who works out of state. Johnson stated she completed these fraudulent transactions approximately every other week for several months and confirmed that the money was deposited into her accounts.
Tiffany Johnson was arrested and charged with one count of Grand Theft (F3) and one count of Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3). She was subsequently booked into the Polk County Jail. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
