FL Payroll Administrator Accused Of Stealing Money From Phoenix House

TAMPA, FL — Economic crimes detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office have arrested a Tampa woman accused of stealing money while in charge of a nonprofit organization's payroll.

According to the sheriff's office, on Aug. 16, 21-year-old Zaria Walker was hired as a contract employee for Phoenix House, 510 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, a nonprofit that helps those struggling with substance abuse.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 12, while working as a payroll administer, detectives said Walker entered hours for an employee who no longer worked there and had the money deposited into a bank account she opened using a third victim's personal information. Detectives were able to link that account to Walker.

In total, detectives said Walker stole $25,103, detectives said.

"It's disgusting to think that this person used her smarts and skills to steal money from an organization that only tries to save people from addiction," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "She was trusted to pay the hard-working employees at the Phoenix House. Instead, she worked the system to fatten her bank account."

Walker was charged with three counts of false entry in books of a business entity, fraudulently using personal information to steal $5,000 from 10 to 20 victims and second-degree grand theft.

Anyone who has additional information on this case is asked to call 813-247-8200.